The second, operated by Iberia, carrying journalist Ricardo Gonzalez and his family, arrived shortly afterwards.

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The 40-year-old began the final round one behind Ricardo Gonzalez, who could only shoot a 71 for a share of fourth.

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Laird, who plays most of his golf in the United States, shares the lead with Dutchman Maarten Lafeber (Carnoustie), Argentine Ricardo Gonzalez and Denmark's Thomas Bjorn (both St Andrews), an assistant-captain for Europe at the Ryder Cup.

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