Purdy powers into lead

16/10/2005 - 12:36:15
Briny Baird entered the third round with a two-shot lead but finished the day tied for 43rd as Ted Purdy powered ahead at the Michelin Championship in Las Vegas.

Baird had set the early pace with a 10-under-par 62 and a 66, but day three was a different story as he carded a six-over-par 78 to fall to nine under.

Baird, chasing a first PGA Tour victory, had four bogeys and carded an eight on the par-four 12th.
Purdy, meanwhile, ended the day at 18 under after signing for a 65.

Steve Lowery (64), Charles Howell III (67) and Harrison Frazar (68) are tied for second two shots back.

Padraig Harrington is in 47th at seven under.