 | THIRD-ROUND LEADERBOARD US unless stated
-14 R Sabbatini (SA)
-10 C Barlow, F Couples
-9 T Clark (SA), T Immelman (SA)
-8 J Rollins
-7 J Furyk, M Brooks, D Wilson, B Estes
-6 N Watney, L Westwood (GB), T Lehman
Selected others:
-5 J Rose (GB)
-3 L Donald (GB), G Owen (GB), T Levet (Fra)
-2 P McGinley (Irl) |
South African Rory Sabbatini will take a four-stroke lead into the final round of the Nissan Open after Tiger Woods was forced to pull out with a virus. The world number one, chasing a third straight win this year, only just made the cut after round two on one over.
And with his symptoms and the weather conditions at the Riviera Country Club worsening, the American withdrew.
Sabbatini, four clear at halfway, added a 67 to reach 14 under par and stay on course for victory on Sunday.
After two runner-up finishes already this season, Sabbatini will go to the top of the US Tour money list if he wins the event.
"I'm comfortable with the lead," said Sabbatini. "It doesn't change anything for me. I know I got to go out there and do what I've been doing."
The South African has won twice in America before, but his main claim to fame last year was the controversy he caused at the Booz Allen Classic in June.
Towards the end of the final round, a furious Sabbatini stormed ahead of playing partner Ben Crane in a clear protest about the American's pace of play.
Former Ryder Cup star Paul Azinger, commentating on television, called it the rudest thing he had ever seen - and at the following week's US Open Sabbatini apologised for his actions.
Woods, meanwhile, will now focus on recovering for Wednesday's WCG Accenture Match Play Championship in San Diego.
"Everyone saw how Tiger felt this week struggling with the flu and he just can't shake it," said Mark Steinberg, Woods' agent. "He feels awful."
Joint second on 10-under behind Sabbatini are 46-year-old Fred Couples, seeking only his second success on the circuit since 1998, and fellow American Craig Barlow.
Lee Westwood fell from fourth to 11th on six under with a 70 but is now the leading European.
France's Thomas Levet, joint second at halfway, crashed to a 77.
Justin Rose, who shared the lead after an opening 64, also shot 70 and is 14th - while Luke Donald (71) and Greg Owen (70) are three under and in a tie for 30th.
Paul McGinley's 71 left him two under and joint 37th.
MMIX
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He feels awful