Date:26/04/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/04/26/stories/2004042605101800.htm

Sport - Golf

Four-way tie for lead

HUMBLE (TEXAS), APRIL 24. Patrick Sheehan birdied his first hole of the third round on Saturday to move into a four-way tie for the lead in the rain-delayed Houston Open.

He was tied with Rookie Zach Johnson, Steve Stricker and Steve Lowery at 5-under-par when play was suspended because of darkness.

Sheehan completed only No. 1 at the Redstone Golf Club, and his co-leaders had just teed off in the twilight when tournament officials called a halt because of darkness.

The round didn't begin until late afternoon after a rain delay of more than seven hours. When the rain stopped, 30 golfers took to the soggy course to finish a second round also cut short by bad weather and darkness.

Officials hoped the final round could begin before noon on Sunday, but the weather forecast called for more rain overnight. — AP