Joe Ogilvie takes two shot advantage

Joe Ogilvie shot a bogey-free six-under-par 66 to take the lead in the New Orleans Classic after three rounds on Sunday

The 30-year-old Ogilvie, whose highest finish this year was tied for 19th at last week's Houston Open, moved to a 17-under-par total of 199, two strokes ahead of U.S. Masters champion Phil Mickelson and Charles Howell III.

Mickelson, twice a winner this season, bogeyed the 18th hole and finished with a three-under 69. Howell could manage only a 71.

Britain's Justin Rose roared into contention at the weather-plagued tournament with a seven-under 65 that left him tied for fourth place on 202 with Japan's Hidemichi Tanaka.

Rose had a solid front nine of two-under 34, but carded five birdies, including a chip-in at the 18th, for his 65.

World number two Vijay Singh, the Houston Open champion, was tied for sixth another shot behind.

The Fijian birdied the 18th after hitting an indifferent approach that left him a good 25 feet from the hole.

Singh was joined on 203 by Korea's K.J. Choi, the 2002 New Orleans Classic champion Brian Bateman, former PGA champion Paul Azinger, Matt Kuchar and Guy Boros, whose 63 was the low score of the round.

Second-round leader Danny Ellis experienced a miserable round of 82 and dropped to a tie for 62nd place on 211, 12 shots behind Ogilvie.

Unlike the previous three days, weather was not a factor on Sunday despite cloudy skies.

The tournament will be completed on Monday.

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