Angelo Que

CRANS MONTANA, Switzerland (AFP) — Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez opened up a three-stroke lead over Ryder Cup teammate Edoardo Molinari after three rounds of the European Masters on Saturday as Angelo Que failed to make progress at the star-studded event.

Que managed a sizzling start, going three-under after nine holes and six-under for the tournament. But the Filipino hotshot who placed seventh here last year, squandered everything in the back nine where he registered three bogeys against no birdie.

Que finished the day at even-par 71 and was tied for 43rd spot, 14 strokes behind the leader.

Meanwhile, Jimenez, 46, who carded a 27-year career low 61 in the second round, showed no sign of letting up on Saturday by adding a three under par 68 to stand at 17 under par after 54 holes on 196.

At one stage it looked as if Jimenez would have gone into Sunday's final round with a four-stroke lead, but he was penalised a shot at the 10th hole after forgetting that placing was allowed only on the sixth.

''It's a pity,'' said Jimenez. ''I marked it and picked it up like it is preferred lies. Then I thought 'what are you doing?'''

Molinari, who was a Ryder Cup wildcard pick after winning the Johnnie Walker Championship last weekend at Gleneagles, hit a 68 at the European Tour/Asian Tour co-sanctioned tournament.

His 17-year-old Italian compatriot Matteo Manassero, the first round leader, and England's Steve Webster share third place, one shot further back.