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MILAN, Italy -- Hennie Otto shot a 9-under 63 on Saturday to take a four-stroke lead into the final round of the Italian Open.
The South African hit 11 birdies and two bogeys in the third round at Castello di Tolcinasco Golf and Country Club. He is at 22-under 194.
"I played very well today, very well indeed and I am very pleased," Otto said. "I put the ball close to the pins with my irons today and gave myself a lot of chances. I made a few more putts today than earlier in the week, which is probably why I am where I am tonight."
Robert Karlsson, who shot a course-record 61 on Friday, had a 69 to be in a tie for second place with Christian Nilsson and Alvaro Velasco.
Otto had a five-shot advantage going into the final round of the Madeira Islands Open in March before losing in a playoff to Alastair Forsyth.
"Looking back to Madeira, I didn't feel I played particularly badly there, I just didn't make any putts and Alastair did," Otto said.
"I'll just plan to take tomorrow as another day and I won't think about back then. Whoever plays the best golf will win the tournament, it is as simple as that, and I'll just try and play the same way as I did today."