Gleneagles, Scotland, June 22: The 28-year-old Dane, who is also bidding this week for his maiden title on the tour, fired a five-under-par 67 to finish at nine-under 207 on saturday (June 21). Kjeldsen's playing partner, Paul Broadhurst (71) of Britain, and local favourite Alastair Forsyth (69) were tied for second at four under, with defending champion Adam Scott of Australia in fourth at three-under 213 after a blemish-free 66. Seven-times European number one Colin Montgomerie was a further stroke back in a tie for fifth, but the Scot was disgruntled and said he had "turned a 64 into a 69". Kjeldsen, who began the day a stroke ahead of Broadhurst, got off to a fast start with three birdies in the first three holes. He picked up two more shots before the turn, and another at the 11th, to stretch his lead to six. However the Dane faltered over the closing holes, offsetting two more birdies with three bogeys as his advantage was cut by one.

Leading third round scores: (Britain unless stated, par-72): 207 Soren Kjeldsen (Denmark) 72 68 67 212 Alastair Forsyth 70 73 69, Paul Broadhurst 73 68 71 213 Adam Scott (Australia) 72 75 66 214 Stephen Gallacher 76 71 67, Colin Montgomerie 72 73 69, Miguel Angel Martin (Spain) 74 70 70 215 Paul Casey 76 71 68, Gary Orr 75 68 72, Rolf Muntz (Netherlands) 72 70 73 216 Steve Webster 77 71 68, John Bickerton 74 71 71, Brad Kennedy (Australia) 70 72 74

Bureau Report