Weir extends lead to three shots

Mike Weir, seeking to become the first home winner of the Canadian Open for 50 years, hit a one-under-par 70 to take a three-shot lead after the third round of the 100th version of the event on Saturday.

New world number one Vijay Singh of Fiji, American Cliff Kresge and Jesper Parnevik of Sweden shared second place behind Weir, who will have a boisterous home crowd behind him in the final round at the Glen Abbey Golf Club.

The left-hander, one of the most popular sportsmen in Canada, was given a tumultuous ovation as he walked up to the final green on Saturday and promptly ended his round with a short birdie putt to finish 10-under on 203.

"The fans were awesome out there today," Weir told reporters. "It was so loud out there.

"Winning here means as much, if not more, than winning a major championship. This tournament means that much to me.

"I remember watching Jack Nicklaus (seven-times runner-up) and how much he wanted to win this tournament. I really want to win here."

Weir had two birdies and one bogey in a consistent round after firing a 68 and 65 on the opening two days.

"I felt like I played better today than the first two days, even though I didn't score low," Weir said.

"It was a very calm day for me today, there was no stress."

Kresge ended his round with two birdies to return a four-under 67. Singh rebounded from a triple bogey on the 11th hole to shoot a one-over 72 while Parnevik had a 71.

The 35-year-old Kresge will partner Weir on Sunday but he said he was used to the attention it would bring after he played with Tiger Woods in the final weekend of last year's Western Open.

"It'll be similar to playing with Tiger last year at the Western," Kresge said. "Hopefully I can draw on those experiences and learn from that and do all right."

DJ Brigman (67) and Joe Ogilvie (69) were tied for fifth place on five-under 208. Six others were another stroke back on 209, including Bill Haas, who equalled the best round of the day with his 67.

"It was just an easy and comforting day out there," said Haas, who is struggling to earn his tour card. "It was a lot of fun."

Scores were generally higher on Saturday as only 11 golfers shot under 70, half the number that were in the 60s in round two.

U.S. Masters champion Phil Mickelson ballooned to an eight-over 79 and was in last place on 10-over 223.

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