Ross Fisher says he was disappointed not to card the first 59 of the European Tour but is still happy to be leading the Irish Open.
The Brit needed to pick up two shots over the last two holes but didn't manage it as he carded a superb round of 61 to leave him three shots clear of the rest of the field on 12-under.
The World Match Play champion made six birdies on the front nine to reach the turn at 29 followed by four in a row from the 11th as he looked on course to card the lowest round of the year so far.
However, he could only par the last few to leave him three ahead of Italian Francesco Molinari, who is nine under, and five ahead of a whole pack of players on seven under.
"It didn't happen, but I'll take 61," said 29-year-old Fisher.
"It's been a frustrating year," he added.
"The Ryder Cup was one of the goals I set myself and I want to be on that team. I want Europe captain Colin Montgomerie to be looking at me and if I still need a pick at the end then hopefully I will be one of the fortunate ones."
Overnight leader David Howell couldn't recapture the form he showed on Thursday, carding a round of 75 to leave him three under.