Aiken takes charge in Spain

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Thomas Aiken leads an emotion-charged Open de Espana that has been overshadowed by the death of five-time major winner Seve Ballesteros.

South African Aiken fired an even-par third-round 72 to give him a two-shot lead heading into the final round at El Prat, but all thoughts were with Ballesteros, who passed away on Saturday morning due to respiratory failure following a long battle with a brain tumour.

Aiken is at eight-under overall, two strokes ahead of Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal, Dane Anders Hansen, Romain Wattel of France and first-round leader Scott Jamieson of Scotland.

Daniel Gaunt is the only Australian left in the field but he is out of contention, nine shots back at one over after a solid round of 72.

"It was challenging (today) on two things - the weather, and the fact that the game has lost one of its greats," said Aiken, who is chasing his first European Tour title.

"I think everyone wants to win this for Seve, because we owe it to golf. He meant so much to our sport."

"(I'm) happy going into tomorrow with a two-shot lead."

Larrazabal, searching for his second tour victory, got to within a shot of the lead after Aiken bogeyed at the 14th before he fired two bogeys of his own on the 15th and 16th holes.

"Since I heard the news this morning I couldn't get it out of my head," Larrazabal said.

"It has been a tough day. I was on the eighth during the minute of silence, it was the saddest minute of my career."

"I only want to win the tournament for him; if I hit the ball well and putt correctly I have a chance to win it and dedicate it to him and to his family."

Hansen, who was one of two players to shoot a three-under 69, moved up eight places, while Wattel and Jamieson each carded 72s.

Ballesteros held the record for the most European titles (50).

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