Hole in one helps Perez lead European Open by one

WINSEN, Germany (AP) — A hole in one helped Victor Perez take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the European Open on Saturday with a chance to win a second title in as many weeks.

The Frenchman, winner of the Dutch Open last weekend, shot a 1-under 71 thanks to a great start at Green Eagle, a birdie on the par-4 first hole and a hole in one on the par-3 second.

Perez moved from two behind overnight leader and playing partner Jordan Smith to one in front of Joakim Lagergren of Sweden (71) and Julien Brun of France (71).

Lagergren led by two at the 15th but made a double bogey on the 16th and dropped another shot on the last hole.

Brun led the field after birdies on the 15th and 16th but he double-bogeyed the 18th after finding water, leaving Perez on top of the leaderboard at 5 under.

Lagergren and Brun were on 4 under, and Wil Besseling of the Netherlands (70) and Li Haotong of China (71) were on 3 under.

Smith carded a 5-over 77 and dropped four shots behind.

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