Cork golfer John Murphy survived the second cut at the Acciona Open de Espana in Madrid but now finds himself nine strokes over leader Rafa Cabrera Bello.
The Spaniard, roared on by a partisan home crowd, produced a dazzling 64 to move to 17 under par, two shots clear fellow country man Adri Arnaus and Grance's Julien Guerrier.
Murphy is back on eight under par after posting a 69 following back-to-back 68s on Thursday and Friday.
The Irish golfer got off to a slow start and dropped a shot at the third, but three birdies over the next five holes got him back on track.
Another birdie followed on 16 to leave him hovering around the top 20, but a bogey at the last – a hole he had birdied in the first two rounds – ensured a disappointing finish.
There was also disappointment for world number one Jon Rahm is six shots off the lead following a one over par 72.
Rahm sprayed a number of balls left and right and was unusually untidy around the green, but two birdies coming in did leave him just in contention – but he will need something special.
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