David Howell thrived in tough conditions at the Irish Open, with a blistering 64 putting him into a tie for the third round lead.
Englishman in line for welcome win after super Saturday round
David Howell thrived while everyone else struggled in the wind and the rain of the Irish Open, with a blistering seven-under round of 64 sending him into a tie for the third round lead.
The worst weather of the week hit Killarney on Saturday, but Howell made light of those conditions with his seven-birdie round containing a run of five in six holes on his back nine.
World number 282 Howell is without a win in five years after injuries saw the former Ryder Cup star freefalling down the rankings from a high of ninth, but he is now within touching distance again after Saturday's showing.
Englishman Howell now shares the lead on 11-under alongside compatriot Simon Dyson and Australian Richard Green after they both shot 67.
Howell's round was in stark contrast to that of playing partner Rory McIlroy, with the US Open champion only able to card a one-over round of 72 to drop back to 32nd in the tournament.
Twittergate
The 22-year-old's week now looks destined to be remembered only for 'Twittergate' - his telling former European Tour player Jay Townsend - or "failed golfer" as McIlroy preferred to describe him - to "shut up" after criticism of his course management.
To the inevitable disappointment of the massive crowds, last year's US Open champion Graeme McDowell could not force himself into the thick of the title action either.
On his 32nd birthday McDowell also managed only a 72 after resuming four under as well and described himself as "seriously confused" by the greens.
Howell, known as one of golf's best putters when he was beating Tiger Woods head to head in 2005 and then leaving the rest for dead in the PGA Championship at Wentworth the following May, had no such problems.
So now the man who almost fell outside the world's top 500 from ninth after that five-shot win in the Tour's flagship event, has a chance to end more than five nightmare years without a victory.
Flying
"I'm flying now - I must be one of the hottest players in the world," said Howell. "I've not been in the best of form, so I was intrigued how I was going to be playing with Rory. He's the star of world golf.
"But there were no nerves and I think I was inspired by the atmosphere. The crowds were amazing.
"I've given myself a chance - that's the main thing - and I was delighted to
hole a seven-footer (for par) on the last. Missing it would have been a sad way
to end a flawless day."
McIlroy added: "I'm feeling as if I need a couple of drinks or something. It was a bad start, but I got it together at the end and one over is not too bad, considering.
"I'm happy that it's going right rather than left. At least the club's out in front of me instead of being behind and flipping it over. It's an easy fix. It's the ones that go left I don't like.
"At this tournament you're trying so hard to play well for not just yourself, but for everyone else. Sometimes you can just find yourself trying a little too hard and pushing a bit too much."
