FORT WORTH, US — Kevin Na sank a 14-foot birdie putt on his penultimate hole to break clear of a tie at the top with Ian Poulter and edge a stroke in front after the third round of the Crowne Plaza Invitational here Saturday. American Na, who had been two ahead overnight in pursuit of a second PGA Tour victory, fired a one-under-par 69 in overcast, blustery conditions at a rain-softened Colonial Country Club to post an 11-under total of 199. “It wasn't playing easy out there,” Na, 31, told PGA Tour Radio. “The wind was a bit breezy and it was tough to judge the distance on some of the shots. “But I hung in there today and broke par. I've still got the lead and I'm looking forward to tomorrow.” Englishman Poulter, seeking his third win on the US circuit, missed a birdie attempt from seven feet at the par-four last and had to settle for second place after returning a 68. Charley Hoffman carded a 66 to finish at nine under, a stroke better than fellow Americans Chris Kirk (65) and Brandt Snedeker (66). Na, whose only PGA Tour victory came at the 2011 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, offset a birdie at the third with a bogey at the fifth to reach the turn in level-par 35. He picked up another shot at the par-five 11th before succumbing to a two-stroke swing at the par-four 15th where he bogeyed after missing a five-footer for par. Playing partner Poulter, who is known for his prowess on the greens, drained a 32-foot birdie putt at the 15th to draw level with Na before the American regained the outright lead at the 17th with his third birdie of the day. “I trusted my read, a little outside right and it turned nicely into the hole,” Na said. “It was nice because I was under par going into the last hole.” Australian Adam Scott, who won last year's tournament in a playoff, was five strokes off the pace after shooting a 66, ending the day level with Masters champion Jordan Spieth (67). Due to threatening weather, the players set off earlier than scheduled in threesomes with a two-tee start. Similar conditions have been forecast for Sunday with players again teeing off early in threesomes, from 7 a.m. CT (1200 GMT), in a bid to finish before expected thunderstorms. Choi claims first OneAsia win Choi Jin-ho held his nerve to drain an 18-foot birdie putt on the final hole to win the SK Telecom Open Sunday by one shot from South Korean compatriot Lee Soo-min. The 30-year-old, in his third tournament back following a near-two year break to fulfil military duties, had tossed away the lead after his third bogey of the day at the par four 15th before his stunning finish sealed a first OneAsia Tour win. Australian Dimitrios Papadatos fired a timely final round of four-under 68 to finish in a tie for third with four others at eight-under. — Agencies
