Fraser looks to mark birthday with second European title

Barseback: Australian Marcus Fraser intends to celebrate his 31st birthday by winning his second European Tour title on Sunday after taking over the lead in the Scandinavian Masters.Fraser came from five strokes behind overnight leader Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina to head the field after Saturday’s third round by a shot with a three-under-par 70 taking him to eight-under-par 211.

The Australian, who has remarkably made the cut in his last 21 events, has come close to winning several times since his 2003 maiden victory in the Russian Open. None more so than last November when he lost a playoff for the Australian Masters co-sanctioned title to compatriot Rodney Pampling as his wife Carlie was preparing to give birth to their son Archie. His family is now in good health after complications with the birth and Fraser said he was ready to win again. “It’s time to get the job done,” the Melbourne professional, who is accompanied by his family and his mother Sandra this week, told reporters. “Every week I feel I should have a chance. I’m 31 tomorrow. It would be the perfect time.” Late slips by Gonzalez (77) pegged him back to fifth place, two behind Fraser Overnight second-placed Lee Slattery of Britain (75) stayed in the same position, tied with two Swedes, recent Wales Open winner Jeppe Huldhal (70) and Martin Erlandsson (72). After making his first cut for nine months 2005 U.S. Open champion Michael Campbell of New Zealand, followed up with a 73 which edged him through the field to 49th place on two-over. Campbell went past pre-tournament favourite and world number seven Henrik Stenson who lies at seven-over in third-last place after a 79. The most extraordinary round of the week belonged to the frequently erratic German Marcel Siem, who ran up a quintuple-bogey nine, two double-bogeys and four bogeys mixed in with six birdies in his 80 which took him six-over. Bureau Report