Larrazábal and Rock edge ahead

Pablo Larrazábal joined Robert Rock in a share of the lead as the third round of The Irish Open continued at Carton House.

The Spaniard made an impressive start with three birdies in his first six holes taking him to nine under for the tournament.

That was the mark overnight joint-leaders Rock and Peter Uihlein had started the day on, but although the American birdied the first from ten feet a poor chip and missed putt from four feet at the third cost him a double bogey.

As a result the recent Madeira Islands Open winner dropped into a tie for third with former Ryder Cup Captain José María Olazábal, Dutchman Joost Luiten, Scot Pete Whiteford, France’s Raphaël Jacquelin and home favourite Shane Lowry - the 2009 winner hitting his approach to three feet at the second for birdie.

Englishman Rock, who then-amateur Lowry beat in a play-off four years ago, made a steady start with three straight pars.