Sullivan approaches victory in the English championship

WARE, England – Andy Sullivan is nearing his first win in nearly five years after a 64th round three on Saturday gave him a five-shot lead in the English championship.

The 33-year-old from England won three times in 2015 finishing in the top 10 in Europe, but hasn’t raised a trophy since the Portugal Masters in October of that year.

The 2016 Ryder Cup player entered Matchday 3 at Hanbury Manor with a one-shot lead and carded two eagles, five birds and two bogeys to move up to 21 under, five shots less than fellow countryman Steven Brown.

“My strategy [Sunday] it will be the same as today, “Sullivan told europeantour.com.” Just check what I can do. I can’t control anyone who will come after me. “

Sullivan set the tone with a noticeable 2-foot push on the No. 4 par. 1 for an eagle, but needed another eagle on ninth to regain the lead from a reigning Brandon Stone (67), who had six baby birds before the breakthrough.

As the South African faltered on the back nine, Brown became the closest challenger, signing for a 66 that included him hitting the pivot to be denied a hole-in-one to the sixth.

But Sullivan collected four birds in six holes from 12th, with a three putt to 13th his only spot on the last nine.

Stone was alongside compatriot Dean Burmester (69) and Spaniard Adrian Otaegui (67) at 15.

The top 10 players of the European Tour mini Order of Merit after the first five UK Swing events will win a spot at the US Open, with Sullivan finishing fourth in the British Masters two weeks ago.