TORRANCE LEADS FROM

DRUMMOND, MASON WITH

ONE ROUND TO GO IN

LONDON SENIOR MASTERS

By STEVEN FRANKLIN

Press Officer, European Seniors Tour

Sam Torrance spearheads a strong Scottish challenge going into Sunday's final round of the Bendinat London Seniors Masters at the exclusive London Golf Club, a tournament which marks the return to competitive action on these shores of two-time Major winner Tony Jacklin.

Torrance, pictured right, a winner of this event two years ago, has produced two rounds of 68 for an eight under par total of 136 and a two stroke lead over fellow Scot Ross Drummond and England's Carl Mason.

Mason, who captured his 15th European Seniors Tour title in Wales last weekend, added a bogey-free 70 to his opening 68 while Drummond, boosted by an eagle and birdie over the closing three holes, tagged a 68 onto Friday's 70.

Englishmen Gordon J Brand and Jim Rhodes, the latter having had three eagles in 36 holes, lie three shots back on five under par alongside Ireland's Eamonn Darcy, Sunningdale-based Zimbabwean Tony Johnstone and big-hitting South African Bobby Lincoln.

Aberdonian John Chillas is not out of the hunt for a high-place finish.

Torrance has topped the European Seniors Tour Order of Merit in each of the past two seasons, during which time he won seven times, but this year has been a different story with his best finish to date being a share of third place at the Jersey Seniors Classic.

"I know that I need to win soon or otherwise the Order of Merit is gone. I am playing well enough to do that on Sunday and I really like this golf course," commented the 2002 Ryder Cup captain, who is languishing in 16th place on the over-50s' money list.

Jacklin, who is making his first competitive appearance in the UK since The Open at St Andrews two years ago, bounced back from his opening round 79 with a one under par 71.