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Masters champion Willett in title hunt in Italy

Danny Willett is one off the lead at the Italian Open
Danny Willett is one off the lead at the Italian Open

US Masters champion Danny Willett moved within one stroke of the lead during a weather-interrupted third round of the Italian Open.

Willett, one of seven European Ryder Cup players competing in Milan this week, was 13-under-par through eight holes when play was suspended for the day because of darkness.

Frenchman Alexander Levy led the way on 14-under through 12 holes, one ahead of Willett, fellow Britons Chris Paisley and Chris Hanson and Italy's Francesco Molinari.

Ryder Cup trio Matt Fitzpatrick, Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Andy Sullivan were among a group of seven players on 11-under.

"It was tricky to read the greens in the fading light," Willett told reporters. "It's always tough to get the pace.

"We need a real good day of weather tomorrow because there are a lot of guys with 27 holes, at least, left to play."

Holders Europe take on United States in the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, Minnesota from September 30-October 2.

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