Alexander Noren leads European Masters

CRANS MONTANA, Switzerland, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Alexander Noren shot 8-under-par 63 Saturday to grab a two-stroke lead after 54 holes at the European Masters golf tournament in Crans Montana, Switzerland.

His three-round total, 15-under 198, leads second-place Carl Schwartzel (65), who is at 13-under 200.

Noren began the day tied for eighth place, but a 32 on the front nine keyed his rush up the leaderboard.

An eagle at the par-5 15th and birdies at 16 and 18 trumped his only bogey Saturday at the par-3 11th.

"All I have thought about lately is playing a bit better," the 27-year-old Noren told reporters. "It feels great to have the chance to win again."

Sunday, he will attempt to get his first European Tour tournament victory.

Bradley Dredge (68) is 12-under 201 in third, while Angelo Que (68), Ross McGowan (68) and Miguel Angel Jimenez (69) share fourth at 11-under 202.