Noren is the new Estoril Open leader

CASCAIS, Portugal, March 31 (UPI) -- Sweden's Alexander Noren Saturday shot 6-under 207 to take the lead after 54 holes of the European Tour's Estoril Open Golf Tournament at Cascais, Portugal.

The 24-year old Swede, who has never won on the tour, started the third round quickly with birdies at one and three, and finished with his second straight 3-under 68. He goes into the fourth round with a one-shot advantage over second place Ross McGowan.

"He's a really good friend of mine and a really good player," Noren said about McGowan. "He beat me in almost every tournament in college."

Noren played for Oklahoma State and McGowan played for the University of Tennessee.

Amateur Pablo Martin-Benavides (66) of Spain is tied with England's Graeme Storm (70) for third place at 4-under 209.

Defending champion Paul Broadhurst (75) is 2-over 215.