Leona Maguire produced a bogey-free nine-under-par 63 to surge into a tie for sixth at the Women’s Irish Open, seven shots behind leader Casandra Alexander. The round delighted the home crowd at the K Club and marked a sharp improvement after Maguire’s opening two rounds of 71, keeping her in contention heading into the final day.

South Africa’s Alexander retained the lead with a 69 at 18 under, although Czech player Sara Kouskova reduced the gap to three shots after a 67. Heavy rain temporarily suspended play, while Sweden’s Kajsa Arwefjaell also shot 63 to reach 13 under in third; Ireland’s Anna Foster is seven under after a 66.