A birdie putt from around 9 meters (30 feet) on the 18th – Joe Dean secured a share of the lead at the Spanish Open with this statement on the green, ensuring a dream start to the final day in Madrid. What a rollercoaster ride for the Englishman, who now stands at 13 under par after a round of 65, sharing this top spot with Scotland's Grant Forrest. This is pure drama before Sunday has even begun.
Dean, who has been on fire this week, had his round firmly under control: Eight birdies in the first 15 holes even saw him briefly soar to 16 under par. But then came a dreadful one-two punch on the 16th with a double bogey, immediately followed by a bogey on the 17th. This looked like a severe setback, but Dean showed nerves of steel as he sank the crucial putt on the final hole to regain parity.
Nerves of Steel or Cool Precision?
While Dean came charging from behind, Grant Forrest, who started the day as the leader, also demonstrated exceptionally strong nerves. With a 67, he kept himself out of trouble and made crucial birdies on the 11th, 14th, and 16th. He also shares the lead at 13 under par. This Sunday showdown between the two promises to be a real highlight. Forrest could secure a wire-to-wire victory, while Dean aims for the second triumph of his career this season.
The Chasing Pack Lurks
Behind the two leaders, the field is tightly packed, promising further excitement. Joel Girrbach, Victor Perez, and Jacob Skov Olesen are just one shot back at 12 under par, lying in wait for their opportunity. They, too, have shown their top form with strong rounds of 65. Spanish local hero Ángel Ayora is three shots behind the leaders at 10 under par after a round of 66 – the dream of a home victory lives on! The final round of the Spanish Open is set to be a real cracker.
