John Deere Classic Leaderboard
-twenty one D. Thompson (USA) -19 E Cole (USA), A Rai (English) -17 H Springer (USA), CT Pan (Tpe); -16 JJ Spaun (USA), M Thorbjornsen (USA), L Clanton (USA)
Other selected: -14 J Spieth (USA), H Hall (English) -13 S Power (Anger)
American Davis Thompson shot a nine-under 62 to take the lead by two strokes heading into the final round of the John Deere Classic in Illinois.
Thompson fired nine birdies in the third round to finish at 21 under par and take the lead ahead of England’s Aaron Lai and compatriot Eric Cole.
Lai, who was tied for the lead by one stroke with CT Pang of Chinese Taipei heading into the third round, shot six birdies for a five-under 66.
Pan is tied with American Hayden Springer, two strokes behind.
This is the first time Thompson has led going into the final round on the PGA Tour and is seeking his first win.
“I think today was my day,” Thompson said. “The guys behind me are playing really well.”
“I know it’s tough to get to the end of a golf tournament, but I’ve been there before. Right now I just have to stay calm.”
England’s Harry Hall started the day one stroke behind the leader but finished with a one-under 70 to drop down the rankings.
Two-time champion Jordan Spieth shot an 8-under 63, the second-best score of the day, to move into a tie for 12th at 14-under.
The final day will be played in threes after a delayed start to avoid forecast storms, with Lai in the final group along with Thompson and Cole.
