David Howell in command in Munich

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MUNICH, Germany, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Defending champion David Howell of England has a two-shot lead after three rounds of the European Tour's BMW International Golf Tournament at Munich, Germany.

In the third round Saturday, Howell shot 6-under 66, and has a 54-hole total of 14-under 202.

"Obviously I'm delighted because this is certainly the best effort I've had at maintaining a trophy to date," Howell said. He was upbeat despite a bogey six at the last hole of the day. "Although it was disappointing what happened at the last, a two shot lead is a good position to be in and I would have taken it starting out I guess."

On his heels are Sweden's Martin Erlandsson (69), who led after the second round, Padraig Harrington (64) of Ireland, and Scotland's Colin Montgomerie (66). All three are 12-under 204.

Among those who missed the 1-over 146 cut were Nick Faldo and Sandy Lyle.