Leader Couv hopes he can take the heat

SPORT IN BRIEF

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GOLF: Martin Couvra is hoping to retain his Italian Open lead today despite challenging high temperatures after he finished yesterday's third round with a one-shot lead.

The Turkish Airlines Open champion, who finished with a birdie for a round of 67, ended the day on 11 under par at Argentario Golf Club - a shot clear of Argentina's Eugenio Chacarra.

The Frenchman found himself two off the pace after 11 holes in Tuscany but clawed his way back to the summit after partner Spain's Angel Ayora stuttered to a 70.

"I’m really proud about my 18th, because I was really tired on the last few holes. It’s quite difficult with the heat,’ Couvra told the DP World Tour.

“The course is so tough, so we needed to be very concentrated. I'm happy about the 18th.