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Weather again tempers Pettersson charge

04/06/2006

Sweden's Carl Pettersson maintained his position at the top of the Memorial tournament leaderboard despite the weather intervening in play once again.

After 73 players were forced to complete their second rounds on day three, the weather brought a premature end to proceedings, leaving 24 still to complete their third rounds.

However, it was Pettersson who emerged on top once again making four birdies on his way to three under par from 15 holes.

He is now on 11 under, one stroke ahead of American duo Zach Johnson and Woody Austin and three in front of Phil Mickelson and Australian Adam Scott.

Austin was the biggest mover of the day, carding a six-under par round from 17 holes, including four birdies and an eagle at 15.

Johnson, meanwhile, had a nightmare start to the day with three bogeys inside the first six holes.

Seven birdies though, including four in succession between 12 and 15, helped him into contention and he now sits four-under par with two to play.

It was an even worse day for England's David Howell, who was 11-over par after 17 holes.

The winner of the BMW Championship last week started the day with three double bogeys inside the first four holes and never recovered, posting six further bogeys.

His one moment of relief came at the 14th, where he made his one birdie of the day, but Howell now lies six over for the tournament.

England's Ian Poulter also had a rough day, finishing with a seven-over par 79, which included three birdies, eight bogeys and a double bogey at the third.

However, compatriot Justin Rose, who was reprieved after being initially disqualified for walking off the course before the official end of play on day two, shot a five under par 67 to move to three under overall.

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