Shubhankar Sharma’s challenge unravelled with two double bogeys in a third-round 74, while Paul Casey opened a three-shot lead at Crans-sur-Sierre.

Shubhankar Sharma lost considerable ground after a difficult third round at the Omega European Masters, slipping to tied 50th at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

The 30-year-old, who began the week with rounds of 64 and 68, struggled to a 4-over 74 on moving day. His eventful card contained two birdies, two bogeys and two double bogeys.

Sharma had shared second place after the opening round and was tied eighth at the halfway stage. However, Saturday’s setback dropped the two-time DP World Tour winner to 4-under with one round remaining.

At the top, Paul Casey surged into a three-shot lead after producing a 7-under 63 to reach 16-under.

Starting four strokes off the pace, the Englishman made his first birdie at the third before adding five more over the next six holes. His six-birdie burst carried him to the turn in 29 and gave him control of the tournament.

Casey’s only bogey came at the par-five 14th after his second shot found the water. He responded immediately with a birdie at the 15th and added another at the last to restore his three-stroke cushion.

The 49-year-old will chase his 16th DP World Tour title in a country he now calls home. Casey has pledged to donate his prize money from the week to Foundation Beloved, which supports those affected by the New Year’s Day tragedy in Crans-Montana.

Maximilian Steinlechner, Erik van Rooyen, Eugenio Chacarra and Nacho Elvira shared second at 13-under.

Steinlechner and Van Rooyen both shot 63, while Chacarra returned a 65 and Elvira remained in contention with a 68.

Photo – DPWT