Golf: New irons and driver help underdog to Canadian lead

SURREY - Gene Sauers, without a win on the US PGA Tour for 13 years, shot a five-under 66 to take a one-stroke lead on 200 after the third round of the $3.5 million Air Canada Championship in British Columbia yesterday.

Robert Allenby holed a six-metre birdie putt at the 18th to record a 68 that left him tied on 201, 12 shots under par, with fellow Australian Peter Lonard, who also shot a 68.

Steve Lowery, after a 68, was fourth on 202, one stroke ahead of Kevin Sutherland, the winner of the world matchplay championship this year, and second-round leader Craig Barlow.

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke carded a 66 to jump from a tie for 38th to a share of seventh place, with Blaine McCallister and David Gossett on 205.

Sauers, who lost his playing privileges several years ago and has competed in only four tournaments this season, credited an equipment change for his return to form.

"I kind of got tired of the game, to be honest with you," the 40-year-old American said.

"I wasn't happy out. I was hitting it in the rough, and you can't play golf out of the rough.

"It got really frustrating. Now I have some new irons, a new driver, and I am hitting the fairways and things are looking up."

Sauers' best finish this season is a tie for 40th place and so far he has earned only US$23,605, ranking him 217th on the money list.

Lonard's round was marked by stretches of brilliance and mediocrity.

He eagled two of the three par-five holes and made three birdies, but he also had four bogeys, including one at the 17th that cost him a share of the lead with Sauers.

Four New Zealand players made the cut. Best placed is Phil Tataurangi at 209, after a 70 yesterday. Frank Nobilo is one shot back after a 70, and Michael Long and Grant Waite are at 211, both having shot 71 yesterday.

* Denmark's Thomas Bjorn found some form to fire a four-under 66 yesterday to take a two-stroke lead heading into the final round of the BMW International Open at Nord-Eichenried in Germany.

The 31-year-old, who has missed the cut in three of his last tournaments, was at 18-under 198 for his three rounds, with Bernhard Langer and Englishman Richard Bland sharing second at the US$2.77 million ($5.9 million) tournament.

Langer, chasing the only tournament that has eluded him in Germany, posted a 67, despite blowing several putts.

The Ryder Cup starts on September 27, with many of the players from the European team struggling with their games.

American John Daly, the defending champion, broke out of his slump with a 65, leaving him at 11-under 205 after he barely made the cut.

- AGENCIES