Rose and Stenson to the fore in Rio
Major champions Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson look set to battle it out for Olympic gold on the final day of the men's golf competition.
The duo both blew past overnight leader Marcus Fraser in Saturday's third round to ensure an all-star final pairing for Sunday's deciding round at the Rio Olympics golf course.
England's Rose made the day's biggest move, grabbing a one-shot lead on 12 under par courtesy of a superb six-under 65.
After a birdie-bogey start, Rose – who also made a hole-in-one in the first round – fired eagles on the third and fifth holes to rocket up the leaderboard.
Three more birdies and a bogey on the back nine ensured the Englishman finds himself in prime position to claim the gold medal on Sunday.
Standing between him and Olympic glory, however, is Open champion Henrik Stenson, who lies just one shot back after another solid three-under-par 68.
Fraser, meanwhile, finally relinquished the lead he had held since day one after stumbling to a one-over 72. The Australian now finds himself three shots behind Rose, although obviously still very much in position for a medal.
Bubba Watson also made a big move, a string of early birdies helping him to a four-under-par 67 and a six-under-par total.
The American shares the mark with David Lingmerth and Emiliano Grillo – both of whom remain in the hunt for a medal too.
Matt Kuchar and Padraig Harrington are among those on five under, seven shots back.
Latest
-
GolfAndrew Coltart: I think players have an obligation to go ahead with Ryder Cup
Andrew Coltart reckons if the Ryder Cup can go ahead, it should go ahead.
-
GolfWebb Simpson hails ‘crazy’ and ‘special’ RBC Heritage win
Webb Simpson could hardly believe he emerged victorious after a “crazy day” at the RBC Heritage.
-
GolfWebb Simpson claims RBC Heritage crown with tournament record score
The American also won the Phoenix Open in February.
-
GolfTyrrell Hatton grabs share of the lead headed into final round at RBS Heritage
The Englishman shot eight-under 63 on day three of the event at Hilton Head, South Carolina.
-
GolfRory McIlroy moves into contention after third-round 66 at RBS Heritage
McIlroy followed his second-round 65 with a five-under 66 to move to 10 under, three behind early clubhouse leader Joaquin Niemann.
-
UKRory McIlroy says positive Covid-19 case on PGA Tour was only a matter of time
Nick Watney became the first golfer to test positive for since the PGA Tour’s resumption.
-
NewsBrooks Koepka on Watney’s positive test: ‘I was right next to him in the parking lot’
Brooks Koepka is worried Nick Watney’s positive test could be a sign of things to come.
-
NewsRory McIlroy reveals he chatted with Nick Watney on putting green prior to positive test
Rory McIlroy revealed he met with Nick Watney prior to positive Covid-19 test.
-
GolfSimpson takes one-shot lead into the weekend in South Carolina
England’s Ian Poulter dropped from a share of the lead to equal-sixth place on Friday.
-
ScotlandNick Watney withdraws from RBC Heritage after testing positive for coronavirus
The PGA said the 39-year-old was exhibiting symptoms of the virus on Friday prior to arriving at Harbour Town Golf Links.