Love keeps lead

LEMONT (ILLINOIS), JULY 9. Davis Love was clinging to a one- stroke lead at the halfway stage of the final round of the $ 3.6 million Western Open.

Love picked up three birdies in the first five holes at Cog Hill on Sunday, then parred the next four to start the inward half at 17-under-par. He was matched birdie for birdie by Scott Hoch, who also birdied three of the first five holes, before parring the next four to turn at 16-under.

Brandel Chamblee and Canadian Mike Weir tied for third place on 12-under at the turn.

Tiger Woods, who started the day seven strokes back, lost ground with an inconsistent performance. Woods, who declared he was back in form after discovering a problem with his swing on Friday night, compiled three birdies and two bogeys in 13 holes, which left him at eight under. A victory by Love would issue an emphatic statement that he is back in form heading into the British Open. After a hot start to the year, which included a victory at Pebble Beach and a couple of near-misses, Love missed two months nursing an aggravated disc in his neck before returning to action at the U.S. Open three weeks ago.

Behind the leaders, another battle was taking place as players strived to qualify for the British Open. The top eight finishers among those not otherwise exempt will earn invitations to Royal Lytham next week.

-Reuters.

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Section  : Sport
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