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Jordan Smith takes two-shot lead into European Open final round

Jordan Smith takes a two-shot lead into the final round of the European Open. Tony Marshall/Getty Images

England's Jordan Smith could not hide his excitement ahead of taking a two-shot lead into the final round of the Porsche European Open.

The 24-year-old shot a third round 67 in Hamburg to boost his chances of a first European Tour victory.

"I'm over the moon, I played lovely from tee to green and putted really nicely," Smith said.

"Obviously it's long and thankfully they've put the tees forward because it's playing soft, so it's just planning your route around the course and taking advantage of the par fives where you can.

"I'm very excited. It's been a while since I've been in the final group so I'm looking forward to it."

Smith's five birdies took him to 12 under par and two clear of defending champion Alex Levy and Swede Jens Fahrbring.

Overnight leader Ashley Chesters led for much of the day, but missed several key putts on the back nine to finish with a one-over 72.

Chesters held a one-shot lead when the weather-affected second round was completed on Saturday morning and converted from inside five feet on the first hole of his third round to get to double figures.

The 27-year-old two-time European Amateur champion dropped his first shot of the week at the next when he left a chip from off the green eight feet short.

But he got the shot back at the third and back-to-back gains at the seventh and eighth - the latter after hitting his tee shot to within a foot -- briefly sent him three clear. However, bogeys at the ninth, 16th and 18th checked his progress, and Smith took full advantage.

Smith took the lead for the first time on the 15th and a superb iron to the final green set up a simple two-putt birdie.