Davis takes two shot lead

Australia's Rodger Davis shot a 7-under 64 Saturday to take a two-stroke lead over Jim Ahern into the final round of the Toshiba Senior Classic.

Davis had a tournament-record 13-under 129 total on the Newport Beach Country Club course, breaking the mark of 130 set by Terry Mauney in 2001. Ahern, looking for his second career win on the Champions Tour, shot a 67.

Jose Maria Canizares shot his second consecutive 5-under 66 to move into third place with a two-day total of 132.

Davis carded seven birdies and is bogey-free through his first two rounds.

"Putting was the key for me today," the 51-year Australian said. "And it is not a long course, but you have to drive the ball well. You can't miss the fairway."

Davis is looking for his first win in the United States after posting seven wins on the European Tour. He also has 20 wins on the Australian Tour.

"I am quietly confident," Davis said. "I've won quite a few tournaments when leading."

Davis said he appreciated the lesson he received before Thursday's practice round regarding his chipping.

"My caddy introduced me to this fella," Davis said. "He said I had the ball about a foot too far forward. That lesson probably saved me two or three shots a round. And don't worry, I will find out what his name is."

Defending Champion Hale Irwin's 66 left him at 9 under.

"I had a pretty good score, " Irwin said, "but I should have had better, considering how I started."

Irwin birdied four of the first five holes but managed only one more birdie in his bogey-free round.

"I should have made another birdie or two coming in," he said. "Now I've got an uphill battle tomorrow. I don't like to be behind starting the last day. I'd rather be in the lead."

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