Matthieu Pavon has 54-hole Spanish Open lead as Jon Rahm struggles

MADRID — Matthieu Pavon maintains his lead at the Spanish Open, heading into the final round with a two-stroke advantage on Saturday.

Jon Rahm, currently ranked No. 3, is tied for 34th and trailing by nine shots as he seeks to defend his title from last year when Pavon finished as runner-up.

Pavon shot a 5-under 66 in the third round at Club de Campo Villa in Madrid, making six birdies and one bogey to extend his overall lead. The French golfer has been in the lead since his impressive opening round of 63, and now stands at 16 under after 54 holes.

The 30-year-old Pavon is vying for his first DP World Tour victory.

“From last year’s experience, I know it’s challenging to beat Jon Rahm. He defeated me by six shots then, and I thought I had a great week,” Pavon said. “This week, I’m just trying to be myself. I have some Spanish heritage in my family, with my grandfather hailing from Madrid as well, so everything seems to align. I’m simply happy to be here.”

Nathan Kimsey from England (65) is Pavon’s closest competitor in second place. Alfredo Garcia-Heredia from Spain (68), French players Mike Lorenzo-Vera (68) and Romain Langasque (66), and South African Zander Lombard (65) are all tied for third, four shots behind Pavon.

Rahm, who has won three of the last four Spanish Opens, including last year’s victory which matched Seve Ballesteros’ record of three titles at the event, is participating in his first tournament since helping Europe defeat the United States in the Ryder Cup two weeks ago at Marco Simone in Italy.

“(Tomorrow) I will go out there to play and shoot as low a score as possible. It’s the least I can ask of myself,” Rahm said. “Let’s see if I can have a good Sunday and make it interesting.”