Italian Open: Alexander Levy Leads Heading Into Sunday
With more than a round still to be played heading into Sunday at the Italian Open, a number of key questions remain unresolved.
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With three days of action now behind us at the 2016 Italian Open, there can be no debating the fact that the temperamental weather has been the center of attention so far.
Lengthy weather delays caused havoc for players and spectators alike on Thursday and Friday, meaning that even with more forgiving conditions at their disposal on Saturday, the field will still enter Sunday with some catching up to do.
Unforgiving forecasts are currently predicting further rain overnight, meaning that Sunday could well develop into a war of attrition, if and when the players get on to the course.
The hope has to be that Mother Nature will now take a back seat though, as the leaderboard sets up nicely for an exciting conclusion.
A mixture of high profile stars, experienced European Tour winners, and relative newcomers looking to break through leaves no shortage of storylines for the conclusion of an already eventful week.
What are the biggest stories and takeaways coming out of day three of the Italian Open though? Let’s take a look at three of the leading contenders.
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Alexander Levy To Return To Winner’s Circle?
Alexander Levy hasn’t won on the European Tour since he was a dual winner in the 2014 season, but he’ll have an excellent chance to break that duck on Sunday at Golf Club Milano in Parco Reale di Monza.
Levy has a runner-up and a fourth placed finish to his name already this year, and if he can close out his incredible third round in progress (seven-under through 12 holes) with a couple more birdies he’s likely to find himself in the final group for the last 18 holes.
The Frenchman is currently ranked 55th in the Race to Dubai and 183rd in the world rankings, so one thing’s for sure, a win would be a welcome boost to him as the season winds down and players prepare for next year.
Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
Can Francesco Molinari Thrill The Crowds?
When the crowds descend upon the course at Monza on Sunday for a marathon day of action, there’s going to be very little question over which player has their unreserved support and backing.
The winner of the Italian Open back in 2006, Francesco Molinari will be looking to claim his second national open with a strong finishing day, and his first win on the European Tour since the Spanish Open back in 2012.
Molinari has certainly got the right kind of steady and measured style to perform under the unique pressure that comes with playing at home, and if he can ensure a spot in the final group for the last round, the gallery will give him a significant advantage over his fellow competitors too.
Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
Ryder Cup Stars On The Move?
As most of the European based Ryder Cup players will take next week off to provide a calm before the storm of Hazeltine that will follow a week later, Sunday offers up a last chance for them to iron out their game in a competition environment.
If the first three days have been anything to go by, the key Europeans in action this week look to have their games in good shape, but now the question remaining is whether one of them can get over the line and grab a win?
Having missed the cut, it certainly won’t be Lee Westwood, but each of Danny Willett, Andy Sullivan, Rafa Cabrera Bello and Chris Wood are currently placed in the top-20, with Martin Kaymer only two shots further back. It would be a surprise if at least one of that group don’t work their way into real contention heading into the back nine.
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Italian Open – Day 3 Leaderboard
1 Alexander Levy – Thru 12 (-14)
T2 Francesco Molinari – Thru 10 (-13)
T2 Danny Willett – Thru 8 (-13)
T2 Chris Hanson – Thru 9 (-13)
T2 Chris Paisley – Thru 9 (-13)
T6 Byeong Hun An – Thru 13 (-12)
T6 Robert Karlsson – Thru 12 (-12)
T6 Richard Bland – Thru 12 (-12)
T6 Alejandro Canizares – Thru 10 (-12)
T6 Nacho Elvira – Thru 9 (-12)
Play will resume for the completion of round three and the final round action at 7.30am local time.
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