Thompson in Front at Sanderson Farms Championship


The third round of the Sanderson Farms Championship was almost completed. With each of the first three rounds suspended by late-afternoon storms, the same thing happened Saturday.

However, most of the field completed play and, when the latest storm came through to halt play, Nicholas Thompson found himself atop the leaderboard in the $3 million PGA Tour event at Annandale Golf Club in Madison, Miss.

Thompson carded a 7-under 65 to reach 17-under 199. One stroke back is first-round leader, Daniel Summerhays.

But the 29-year-old Summerhays - 2-under through 17 holes - was one of three players forced to retreat the clubhouse. The Utah native must complete the par-5 18th hole Sunday morning before starting the final round.

Thompson, the 30-year-old brother of Alexi Thompson - a rising star on the LPGA Tour, carded eight birdies and a bogey Saturday.

Tied for third at 15-under 201 are Chad Campbell (65), Cameron Beckman (65), Woody Austin (67) and Kyle Reifers (67).

Three shots out of the lead are Brendon Todd (66) and Bill Lunde (68), with South African Rory Sabbatini (67) and Jim Herman at 13-under 203.

Playing in the same group as Summerhays, Vaughn Taylor is also at 13-under but must complete the 18th hole. The other player who must finish the 18th is Argentina's Fabian Gomez, who was at even-par on his third round and 10-under overall.

For updated scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/sanderson-farms-championship/leaderboard.html.