Paul's lead trimmed to 1 shot by Siem at Indian Open

Updated Feb. 25, 2023 9:49 a.m. ET

Associated Press

NEW DELHI (AP) — Yannik Paul's lead at the Hero Indian Open was trimmed from five shots to one after the third round of the European tour event on Saturday.

Paul, who shot a 1-under 71 to move to 11 under overall, is one ahead of fellow German Marcel Siem.

Siem birdied his last two holes for a 67 that put him in the final group on Sunday as he goes in search of his fifth European tour title — and first since 2014.

“I get the shivers already, just thinking about it,” said Siem, who is ranked No. 337. "Yannik is a very good player, very steady, he’s a tough guy to beat. I’m not thinking about it. Last three holes down the stretch, that’s where it matters.

“I’m just trying to do what I do, but it would mean a lot to me, trust me. It would be a life-changer.”

Paul's only previous title came at the Mallorca Open last year.

“I’m in a great position and I’m looking forward to playing with Marcel tomorrow,” the No. 119-ranked Paul said. “Getting the win would be amazing. Such an iconic event here but I think that’s the hard part.

"You don’t want to think ahead, you want to stay in the present because 18 holes is a lot of golf left. I’ll just try to get some rest tonight and look forward to tomorrow.”

Dutch golfer Joost Luiten, who shot a 68, was three strokes off the lead on 8 under.

Jorge Campillo (67), Veer Ahlawat (68) and Thorbjorn Olesen (66) were tied for fourth place, six shots behind Paul.

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