Day Jumps into Top Spot at World Cup of Golf


Jason Day has supplanted Thomas Bjorn as the leader in the $8 million World Cup of Golf. The 26-year-old Aussie fired a 5-under 66 at Royal Melbourne Golf Club to reach 9-under 204, one stroke ahead of the 44-year-old Dane. Day carded six birdies and a bogey Saturday.

Sunday's final round will not only determine the individual champion but the team winner as well. For the first time this year, the World Cup of Golf is primarily an individual event with a team component. The individual portion of the purse has $7 million, while the remaining $1 million will be split by the two players on the national team with the lowest combined stroke-play scores.

With Adam Scott carding a 68, the Australians took over the lead in the team component, replacing the American duo of Matt Kuchar (68) and Kevin Streelman (74).

''To bring it back home to Australia in front of the Melbourne sporting crowd - I can't see a better, fitting place," Day said. ''A lot of people are out there supporting the Aussies and we are doing well, so hopefully we can go one more and play well tomorrow.''

Just before the third round Day met with his mother Dening, who he has not seen in nearly 12 months. His mother has been on Day's mind; the Philippines native lived in the area hardest hit by Typhoon Hainan. Eight members of his family died in the devastating storm.

''It was great to see her. I am glad she got to come down,'' he said. ''She brought some chicken down for me, she makes this special chicken. It's salty, we call it salty chicken - it is pretty much a heart attack in a box. And I haven't had it for a while, so if I don't show up for the round tomorrow then you know where I am. I am probably laying on my bed.''

Bjorn stands at 8-under 205, while Kuchar moved into third at 207 following his 68. "I felt like I was in control, as sharp as I would have liked to be," said Kuchar, who posted three birdies on the day. "I did miss out on a couple of good opportunities, but I also made a handful and got up and down from some pretty ugly places."

Italy's Francesco Molinari matched Day for the low third round, a 5-under 66, to move into a tie for fourth with Streelman at 209. Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell (67) and Japan's Hideto Tanihara (71) share sixth at 210.

After opening with a 75, Scott has crawled up the leaderboard with two straight 68s and is now at 2-under 211 with three others.

For all the scores, visit http://worldcup.pgatour.com/leaderboard.aspx.