Boyd ties course record, takes two- shot edge thru 54 at Castello Masters

John Parry set a new course record at the European Tour’s Castello Masters with a 9-under 63 on Saturday, only to have Gary Boyd equal it soon after and take a two-stroke lead after the third round. Boyd was at 14-under 199 Saturday in search of his first European Tour win. Matteo Manassero (67) of Italy and Christian Nilsson (66) of Sweden were two shots back going into the final round at Club de Campo Del Mediterraneo. Boyd, however, also will be looking over his shoulder at Parry. Parry was among six players tied for seventh at 9 under, but Boyd feels his countryman and roommate on the European Tour could be a threat. “There is a friendly rivalry between us, and John always seems to shoot lower than me at the weekends,” Boyd said. “And I feel I have some catching up to do. John and two other friends from my English amateur days, David Horsey and James Morrison, have won out here this year in their first season on tour and I have not.” Boyd broke clear of the field with an eagle at the 364-yard, par-4 14th hole, where he drove the green and sank a 30-foot putt. The 17-year-old Manassero, who had only one bogey in his round, was looking forward to trying to become the youngest winner on the European Tour. “I will try just to enjoy the fourth round,” he said. “And I will try to keep myself up at the top of the leaderboard. “I know it’s not going to be easy, but I do like the course. You have to drive the ball straight to avoid trees and the greens are perfect for converting birdie chances.” After shooting six birdies early in his round, Peter Lawrie of Ireland, who won the Spanish Open in 2008, shared the lead with Boyd. But two bogeys at the 14th and 17th holes left him signing for a 67, and at 10 under he will go into the final round four shots off the pace.