McGrane leads Beijing Open

Beijing -- A 4-under-par 68 Saturday gave Ireland's Damien McGrane a three-stroke lead after 54 holes of the China Open golf tournament in Beijing.

His three-round total is 11-under 205 and his third straight sub-70 round gave him the lead after 54 holes for the second time in his European Tour career.

Sunday he attempts to win for the first time in his 17th season.

Bogeys at the sixth and 16th holes prevented him from a bigger lead, but he closed with back-to-back birdies.

"It is nice to go out as leader and a little cushion is good," McGrane said.

"But it is a tough course and (Sunday) I must play my own game and maintain focus."

First- and second-round leader Michael Lorenzo-Vera (72) of France shares second place with England's Oliver Wilson (70) at 8-under 208.

Australia's Scott Strange is alone in fourth at 6-under 210.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.