Tommy Fleetwood is looking to swing it in Paris – despite struggling with his flow – as Brit moves within one shot of leaders Jon Rahm and defending Olympic champion Xander Schauffele

Tommy Fleetwood is having a challenging week, but it brings an exhilarating opportunity. Even while grappling with his swing over three rounds at Le Golf National, he’s in contention for an Olympic gold medal.

After shooting a 69, the Englishman heads into his final round on Sunday just one stroke behind the 14-under-par leaders, Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele, the reigning champion.

The big question remains whether he can finish strong, but given his history of triumph here, including the French Open in 2017 and the Ryder Cup in 2018, his familiarity with the course might just offset his current struggles.

‘My swing isn’t quite working,’ he admitted. ‘It’s not where I want it to be, but I’ve dealt with it admirably this week.’

Notable highlights from his round included a bunker birdie at the 14th and a well-managed par at the final hole, with his only mistake coming with a bogey at the 12th.

Tommy Fleetwood (pictured) stated that he had been struggling with his swing while in Paris

The British golfer (left) has moved to within one shot of the lead carding a 69 on Saturday

Fleetwood (pictured) won the French Open in 2017 and excelled in the Ryder Cup a year later

Rory McIlroy sits in a threatening position at ten under after scoring five strokes without a bogey to achieve a 66.

His change in attitude toward the Olympics has seen him get close to the top following his previous indifference prior to Rio 2016.

‘The focus for the first two days was on mistakes, and today I tried to minimize them, which I accomplished,’ McIlroy reflected. ‘It was a solid round of golf that puts me in medal contention for tomorrow.

‘If I can maintain my front nine score, I’ve got a strong chance.’

‘It’s thrilling for the sport to have so many top players in contention. Xander has had a phenomenal year; Scottie (Scheffler), being the best player globally, and Jon Rahm—all fantastic competition on the leaderboard.’

Rahm is an intriguing competitor, as his performance in majors has dipped since joining LIV, but his recent victory on that circuit may have rekindled his form.

Fleetwood has moved to within one shot of the leaders Jon Rahm (left) and Xander Schauffele (right)

Rory McIlroy (pictured) also enjoyed a good day on the course but stated he needs to continue to cut out mistakes

Matt Fitzpatrick (pictured) has withdrawn from the competition with a thumb injury

With tricky wind gusts and challenging pin placements, a 66 is laudable, though slightly overshadowed by his Ryder Cup teammate Nicolai Hojgaard’s impressive 62, moving him to 11 under.

Unfortunately for Fleetwood’s teammate, Matt Fitzpatrick, he has been forced to withdraw due to a thumb injury.