THIRD ROUND LEADERBOARD:
(GB & Ire unless stated)
-5 N Dougherty, I Garrido (Sp), J Huldahl (Den) -4 S Dyson, P Waring, R Ramsay Selected others:
-3 G Bourdy (Fr), N Fasth (Swe), P McGinley -1 M-A Jiminez (Sp) +2 C Pavin (US) +3 C Montgomerie
 Dougherty said he played his third round as if it was the last |
Nick Dougherty is in a three-way tie for the lead along with Ignacio Garrido and Jeppe Huldahl after a rain-affected third day at the Wales Open. The trio ended the day on five under, one clear of Simon Dyson, Paul Waring and Richie Ramsay, with seven other players a further shot off the pace. A delayed start at Celtic Manor meant play continued until nearly 9pm. But some players will still need to finish their third rounds on Sunday morning before the final round starts. Ramsay is the only one of the top 18 players who has yet to finish his third round, having managed 16 holes before play was suspended for the day.  | 606: DEBATE |
But his score could be subject to review after he was taken aside by Tour chief referee John Paramor to examine an incident at the eighth hole. Placing of the ball was in operation because of the conditions and Ramsay was questioned over whether he had improved his area of intended swing by pressing down the ground behind the position from where he was going to play his next shot. If the Scot, who held a one-shot lead after round two, is found to have erred, he could be handed a two-stroke penalty. European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, who was joint eighth overnight, fell back to three over after a hugely disappointing 78. American Corey Pavin, Montgomerie's rival at next year's Ryder Cup, ended the day a shot better off than the Scot. Dougherty claimed his share of the lead with a mightily impressive inward 30, which included three birdies and an eagle at the last. With more bad weather forecast for Sunday, his Saturday performance could take on greater significance. "I prepared as if this was the last round and I'm proud of myself because I got into the lead," he said.
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