Robert Rock takes takes two-shot lead at Italian Open

Rock is yet to register a top-10 finish this year

England's Robert Rock extended his lead at the Italian Open to two shots with a solid third-round 68 in Turin.

The 34-year-old, who has led from the first day, is 16 under par as he hunts his maiden European Tour victory.

Sweden's Niclas Fasth, amongst a six-strong chasing pack on 14 under, briefly emerged at the top of the leaderboard after an eight-under 64.

Twenty-four-year-old Gary Boyd, runner-up in the 2010 Czech Open, joins Fasth in a share of second.

"The big moments in my career are all coming at once and tomorrow will be the biggest so far in over nine years," said Rock.

The 34-year-old lost a play-off to amateur Shane Lowry in the 2009 Irish Open.

"Ireland was the one real chance before that I had of winning and now I've moved forward. If my putting stays the same it will calm me down tomorrow," he said.

"It does wonders for your confidence when you are holing putts."

Francesco Molinari, a member of Europe's victorious Ryder Cup team at Celtic Manor, is another of those poised just behind Rock after he picked up six birdies in his round of 68.

A trio of Boyd's fellow Britons - England's Lee Slattery, Scotland's Peter Whiteford and Wales' Rhys Davies - are a shot further back on 13 under.

Eighteen-year-old Matteo Manessero is on 12 under, in front of his home fans.

"I still think I have a chance of winning here," he said.

"I think 20-under is going to win and if I get a few breaks I have a chance."