Rollins takes two shot advantage

John Rollins fired a seven-under 65 on Saturday to grab a two-shot lead at 12-under-par 204 after 54 holes of the Buy.com Tri-Cities Open.

Billy Judah is alone in second at 10-under par followed by Conrad Ray, Bo Van Pelt, Anthony Painter, Rob McKlevey, Jason Dufner and second-round leader Jeff Gove, who share third place at minus-nine.

Rollins was cruising along until his first bogey of the round at the par- three 15th. He rebounded from the dropped shot with birdies at his last two holes at Meadow Springs Country Club to take sole possession of the lead.

"It was moving day," said Rollins, who began the day in ninth place, three shots out of the lead. "They don't write the checks today, but you have to put yourself in position."

Rollins began the day with three straight pars before birdieing three of his last six on the front side. He birdied No. 10 and then racked up back- to-back birdies at 12 and 13 to vault up the leaderboard.

Rollins will be in search of his second win this season, having won the Hershey Open in early July. If he can title here Sunday, that will almost assure him a place in the top-15 in the money list and a return trip to the PGA Tour next year.

"Having won in Hershey, this is not unfamiliar territory for me," said Rollins. "It helps when you have been in this position before. I'm focused on this tournament right now, the money list will take care of itself."

Judah posted a six-under 66 that included six birdies, two bogeys and an eagle-two at the par-four third.

"I just wanted to put myself in position," Judah said. "It tough to stay patient when your have a chance to win. You have to focus on what you are doing and put winning out your mind."

Chad Wright, Shane Bertsch and Jim Benepe are knotted in ninth at minus- eight.

Email this page to a friend | Return to top of page