Nerves not an issue for Lemke

Niklas Lemke admits it has been a long time coming but is relishing the pressure of competing for honours at the Betfred British Masters.

Niklas Lemke (25/1 Betfred British Masters Outright) says he is ready to embrace his inevitable nerves as he chases down Matt Wallace at the Betfred British Masters.

The Swede backed up his opening 69 at Hillside with a brilliant 64, moving him on to 11-under for the tournament, thanks to a round which included nine birdies and just a single bogey.

Starting at the 10th, Lemke made eight straight birdies between the 13th and second, one shy of the European Tour record and will start the day a shot adrift of overnight leader Wallace (3rd Round 2 Balls – Lemke 2/1, Tie 15/2, Wallace 8/15).

Richie Ramsey, Thomas Detry and Ross Fisher also share second but Lemke’s early finish means he will have the honour of going out in the final group on Saturday.

The world number 371 turned pro in 2007 but only made it onto the European Tour this year after finishing sixth in what was his 10th visit to Qualifying School Final Stage.

A big weekend could go some way to sealing his card for next season and the 35-year-old is looking to take advantage of his improving play, with any nerves something he is happy to embrace.

“I have struggled with my swing the last few weeks,” Lemke said, via the Betfred Twitter page. “I felt like my game was good in the Desert Swing and the swing is starting to improve a little bit.

He added on the European Tour website: “I will be actually a little bit nervous. There’s going to be a lot of people out there, it’s going to be fun to feel those nerves again.

“It’s been a little while but it’s going to be good.”

Odds subject to change.