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Simpson leads Greenbrier

July 8, 2012 - 18:02 By Korea Herald
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, West Virginia (AP) ― Webb Simpson likes the way he’s avoiding bogeys and figures he’ll need to play smart again at the Greenbrier Classic to get his second win in three tournaments.

The U.S. Open champion shot a 5-under 65 in the third round Saturday to take a two-stroke lead into the final round. Simpson had his second straight bogey-free round to reach 14 under on The Greenbrier Resort’s Old White TPC Course.

Troy Kelly was second after a 62. Rookie Charlie Beljan, J.B. Holmes and Ken Duke were 11 under. Beljan had a 67, Holmes a 66, and Duke a 65.

Simpson isn’t disappointed that Tiger Woods isn’t around to challenge him. Woods missed the cut for only the ninth time in his PGA career.

“When he’s not lurking around on Saturdays and Sundays, it makes it a little easier I think for other guys,” Simpson said.

Simpson said he plans to peek at the leaderboard, “but the way I look at it is, I’ve got to go shoot under par (Sunday). And if I don’t, somebody’s going to probably going to probably (play) pretty good. I think the golf course is playing in such a way that there’s plenty of birdie opportunities.

“I’ve almost got to imagine that these guys are all going to shoot 4, 5 under. I’ve got to stay aggressive.”

Howell, Hansen share lead at French Open

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France (AP) ― David Howell of England shot a 4-under 67 to share the lead with Anders Hansen of Denmark at 6-under after the third round of the French Open on Saturday.

Hansen finished with a 69. South African George Coetzee is one shot back after a 70. Overnight leader Marcel Siem of Germany had a 73 to fall two behind the leaders.

Howell, who shot 34 in his opening nine, added birdies on the 14th and 16th on his way back to the clubhouse just before a thunderstorm halted play.

Lee Westwood strained his groin when he slipped while walking to the first tee. He had a double-bogey on the opening hole and bogeyed the next five. He finished with a 76.