Scott Moves into Three-Way Tie at Australian PGA


Defending champion Adam Scott is among three players tied for the 54-hole lead as the Australian PGA heads into its final round at the RACV Royal Pines course in Queensland.

Scott and fellow Australians Scott Strange and Wade Ormsby are at 10-under 206 following rounds of 69, 71 and 71, respectively. Only one stroke back are Australia's Jason Scrivener (68) and American Boo Weekley (69), while trailing by two is Michael Hendry.

Ormsby and Strange began the day with a two-shot lead over Scott. Hendry, a 35-year-old from New Zealand, carded the low third round, a 5-under 67 on a day that yielded few low scores.

Scott told reporters that the course and conditions Saturday were difficult. "It was tough conditions so on a day like today it's less frustrating to see a few slide by because most people are struggling," said the 2013 Masters champion.

"Scoring wasn't great today . . . I kind of got away with that. If that's the case tomorrow, then I'll probably not win," added Scott, who carded four birdies and a bogey.

He hopes to get off to a quick start on Sunday. "It's the best thing I can do for so many reasons to give myself the advantage," Scott said. "Whether it's a crowd-cheering perspective or just a rhythm of the tournament perspective; any of these guys can get off to a good start and there's no reason why not."

Tied for seventh at 6-under are American Scott Stallings (68) and New Zealander David Smail (71).

Indonesia's Rory Hie (69) and Australians David Branson (68) and Jarrod Lyle (70) trail the co-leaders by five. Lyle has returned to regular competition after recovering from a second bout of leukemia.

For all the scores, visit http://www.pga.org.au/tourns/pga-tour/event/leaderboard?season=2014&tour=pga&id=1077#holes10-18-006720.