Golf: In-form Mitchell

PETER MITCHELL shot a six-under-par 67 in Penina yesterday to lead the Portuguese Open on 15-under-par 204 going into the final round today. He overhauled the overnight leader, Wayne Riley, who slipped back to fourth place behind Paul Lawrie and David Gilford after shooting a 74 for 208. Lawrie shot 69 for 205, while Gilford had a 70 for 207.

Mitchell, starting the day three shots off the pace, hadbirdies at the third and fifth holes to move to 11 under and only one shot behind the Australian, who parred the first four holes.

Sweden's Jarmo Sandelin shot a nine-birdie 64 to join Riley on 208. That equalled Lawrie's course best on Friday, but neither round is an official record because preferred lies were in use on the wet fairways.

Spain's Seve Ballesteros continued his cavalier golf when he hit only four fairways again but still managed a 69 for 214.