Elvira brothers in contention at Kenya Open on European tour

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NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Spanish golfer Manuel Elvira moved into contention to join older brother Nacho as a European tour winner by taking a share of the lead at the Kenya Open after the third round on Saturday.

The younger Elvira shot 4-under 67 and was tied for first place on 10 under overall with Darius Van Driel (68). The Dutchman had led the tournament after the first round and was in a three-way tie for first place after the second round.

The 37-year-old Nacho, whose only tour title came at the Cazoo Open in Wales in 2021, was also on the leaderboard — three strokes off the lead — in a tie for sixth after a 68. He is 9 1/2 years older than Manuel.

“I saw his name on the leaderboard and I was happy — I knew he was playing well,” Manuel Elvira said. “I was talking to my caddie and said how cool it would be to play on the Sunday with him.

“Unfortunately we are not going to be able to but it’s nice to be both in contention.”

The leading pair was two shots clear of Connor Syme (70), Joe Dean (68) and Ryan van Velzen (67), who were in a tie for third place.

Manuel Elvira graduated from the Challenge Tour last year to join his older brother on the European tour. His best finish so far this season is tied for 12th at the Joburg Open.

Rikuya Hoshino, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 77 and the winner of the Qatar Masters two weeks ago, shot 75 and was the lowest in the field of those who made the cut.

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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf