KEY POINTS:
SYDNEY - Greg Norman is making one of his customary charges early in the third round of the Australian Open at Royal Sydney.
Now 51 years old and contesting just a handful of tournaments each year, Norman is out of contention after starting the day at eight-over par, 14 shots behind overnight leader Nathan Green who is yet to start his round.
Green is six-under, ahead of Richard Green at four-under and fellow Australians Stuart Appleby and Gavin Coles, who are both one-under the card.
But the Shark is commanding all the early attention, reeling off a spectacular eagle two on the par four 12th hole, plus three birdies and one lone bogey to be four-under for the day and four-over for the tournament.
Playing partner Rick Kulacz is also making a big move up the leaderboard.
The promising West Australian amateur is in fine form, becoming the first non-professional to win the NSW Open last week in 31 years.
He has carried that form to Royal Sydney, producing four birdies, an eagle two and two bogeys to sit alongside Norman at four-under for the day and four-over for the event.
On easily the best day for scoring in the tournament after two days blighted by strong winds and poor weather, the early starters are taking full advantage.
New South Welshman Alex Simpson has birdied his first three holes to move to two-over par, Rod Pampling is three-under today to move to four-over overall and Paul Marantz is already in the clubhouse at six-over after a round of three-under 69.
- AAP
