Campbell opens up three-shot cushion

New Zealand's Michael Campbell opened up a three-stroke lead on the field midway through day three of the German Masters at Larcenhof in Cologne.  

Campbell, winner of the opening two events on this year's European Tour, has picked up three birdies in ten holes to move to 16 under with tournament host, Bernhard Langer, in second place on 13 under par.

Langer, who is chasing a fourth German Masters title, began the round at 10 under par and birdied three of the first ten holes.

Scotland's Colin Montgomerie is in a five-way share of third place, at 12 under par, having birdied four of the opening five holes before a dropped shot at six.

Also at 12 under par is joint second round leader Padraig Harrington of Ireland who is level after 10 holes, whilst Frenchman Jean Van de Velde is three under for the round after 11 holes.

Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez has moved to 12 under par after 14 holes and is six under for his round whilst Argentina's Jose Coceres has picked up one stroke in nine holes to join Jimenez, Montgomerie, Van de Velde and Harrington.

Ireland's Paul McGinley was the main mover of the third round, having recorded an eight-under-par 64, one stroke off the German course record, to finish at 11 under par.

Also on that mark is Adam Scott, the 19-year-old Australian sensation who will compete in next week's Cisco World Matchplay Championship at Wentworth.

Scott, alongside Argentina's Angel Cabrera, are at 11 under par after 11 holes whilst Denmark's Thomas Bjorn has joined them after 10 holes.

Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance has moved to 10 under par after 13 holes whilst Lee Westwood, looking to capture a sixth Tour win this year, is in a group at nine under par.