Molinari leads, Westwood held

Nov 07, 2010 |

— Agencies

Shanghai, Nov. 6: Francesco Molinari held off a dogged Lee Westwood on Saturday to maintain a one-stroke lead over the new world number one and set up an enticing final-round battle at the HSBC Champions in China.

The Italian answered every challenge from his English playing partner and Ryder Cup teammate on day three in Shanghai with a smart, conservative game to card a five-under 67.

The Italian helped his cause with some sparkling shots including an approach from about 150 yards on the par-4 13th that landed on the green and rolled in for an eagle. Westwood, getting back in the swing after only sporadic recent play due to a nagging leg injury, shot a bogey-free 67 to keep the pressure on Molinari throughout the day.

Meanwhile, world number two Tiger Woods’ troubles continued, with the sport’s superstar still unable to find a rhythm in his first tournament in five years without the top ranking. Woods carded a 73 to go to three under for the tournament — 11 strokes off the pace and hope fading fast for his first tournament win of the year.

Atwal tied 38th

Arjun Atwal’s fortunes kept fluctuating in a card of one-over 73 but he still managed to gain a couple of spots to be tied 38th after the penultimate round.

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