Fleisher holds on to narrow lead

Bruce Fleisher isn't optimistic even though he's 18 holes away from winning the U.S. Senior Open.

Fleisher shot a 4-under-par 67 today to take a two-stroke lead over fast-charging Hale Irwin heading into the final round at Saucon Valley Country Club.

But Fleisher doesn't think his lead is big enough, especially with Irwin on his trail.

''I like his chances,'' Fleisher said. ''Hale Irwin has nothing to prove whatsoever. He'll be more comfortable than me.''

Fleisher, who missed the cut in last year's tournament, birdied four of the first six holes, but walked away disappointed after bogeying No. 18 for a 13-under 200 total.

''It was a good round, but I ended on a sour note,'' he said. ''I'm going to go out, smile some, cry a little bit and try my hardest.''

Irwin, the three-time U.S. Open winner, shot a 65.

''You couldn't ask for a better pairing,'' Irwin said. ''Fleisher is the best senior player right now.''

Tom Kite, who shot a 66, trails Fleisher by three at 203. Hubert Green shot a 69 and is fourth at 204. Allen Doyle's 67 got him to within five at 205. Jim Thorpe, who entered the day one stroke back of Fleisher, fell six behind after shooting a 72.

Fleisher, displaying some emotion early, pumped his fist hard and kissed the ball after sinking an 8-foot birdie putt on No. 2.

He tentatively approached a 6-foot putt on hole No. 3 and promptly sank it for another birdie.

''That putt on No. 2 was big because it really kept the round going,'' Fleisher said.

Fleisher is trying to become the first player to win the tournament wire-to-wire since Simon Hobday broke away from a first-round tie in 1994.

Dale Douglass led outright after each round in 1986.

Irwin birdied six of his last seven holes on the front nine and birdied two straight after a bogey on No. 11.

''I started tentatively, got fed up with my mechanics and went with my instincts,'' Irwin said.

He bogeyed No. 17 after getting within two shots of Fleisher with a birdie on the 16th.

''That hole location on the 17th was diabolical, and I don't think it's justified,'' he said.

Irwin, seeking his second Senior Open victory in three years, made nine birdies and three bogeys.

''My putting from 6 feet and in was extremely good; outside that wasn't challenged,'' he said.

Fleisher just missed tying the record for lowest score after 54-holes. Simon Hobday shot a 199 through three rounds in 1994.

Fleisher saved par from the bunker on No. 12, then birdied the 13th. He bogeyed the 14th after hitting a drive into in the right rough, and barely missing par on a long putt.

It was his third bogey of the tournament and first since the fifth hole of the second round, spanning 27 holes.

Kite, playing in his first Senior Open, has rebounded well after a 72 in the opening round. He birdied three straight holes on the front nine, but bogeyed No. 7. He finished with seven birdies, two pars and two bogeys.

''I played very, very well, but I'm disappointed with the finish,'' Kite said. ''It's going to take something in the mid or low 60s to win.''

Thorpe, who shot a 65 Friday, faded quickly. He bogeyed two of the first four holes and was seven strokes back just six holes into the round.

Thorpe appeared to struggle with the heat, pausing several times to wipe his brow early in the round.

After stopping a second time before missing a 6-foot putt to par No. 2, Thorpe evoked laughter from the crowd by turning and saying: ''I'm not choking, I'm just sweating.''

Thorpe, seeking his first tour victory in 14 years, got his first birdie on the 15th.

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