Golf: Gill in three-way tie for lead

New Zealand golfer James Gill is in a three-way tie for the lead at the European Tour qualifying event in Germany despite shooting a one over 73 this morning (NZ time).

He shares the lead with his playing partners today, overnight leader and former European amateur champion Marius Thorp of Norway, who shot a 74, and Sweden's Tony Edlund who fired a two under 70.

Gill had one birdie and two bogeys in windy conditions on a day where the pin placements got tougher at Fleesensee.

"It's good to be back in the final group for the first time in a while and it feels like it's where I belong," he said.

The 24-year-old Hamilton player has struggled with a back injury since turning pro earlier this year and while he's performed solidly on the secondary EuroPro Tour, it's not until how he's found the form which made him one of New Zealand's leading and most consistent amateurs for six years.

The trio, who had the worst of the conditions, are nine under for the tournament going into tomorrow's fourth round.

The top 26 and ties make their way to second stage in Spain in November before the final stage at PGA Golf de Catalunya in Girona, Spain, where the top 30 players (plus ties) will win a coveted place on the 2010 European Tour international schedule.

- NZPA