European Tour winner Brett Rumford trails halfway leader Rod Pampling by five shots in the Hillross Centenary Australian Open in Sydney.
Australian Rumford, who added the 2004 Nissan Irish Open title to his success in the Aa St Omer Open on The European Tour International Schedule the previous year, had a roller-coaster round which included a triple bogey to post a one under par 70 to lie on 139, three under par.
Rumford’’s troubles came on the par three second hole but he recovered well, finishing with two birdies to remain in contention at The Australian.
“It was just a matter of being patient and keeping your medicine out there,” said Rumford, who shares third place with tournament favourite Stuart Appleby.
Pampling picked up four birdies on the front nine to move ahead of overnight leader Kurt Barnes, who carded a two over par 73 to lie four off the lead.
