Lewis moves clear

ByReuters

Published 09/07/2005 at 19:45 GMT

With Michelle Wie having missed the cut, the focus of attention shifted to JL Lewis as he carded a two-under-par 69 to surge three shots clear after the third round of the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois on Saturday.

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Much of the buzz that had surrounded the warm-up event for next week's British Open at St Andrews disappeared on Friday when the American teenager failed in her bid to become the first female in 60 years to make the cut at a PGA Tour event.

American journeyman Lewis, 44, who claimed the first of his two tour titles at the John Deere in 1999, stepped into the spotlight by recording a 15-under-par aggregate of 198.

Fellow countrymen Hank Kuehne (67) and Craig Bowden (68) and Swede Richard S Johnson (68) shared second place on 201.

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"When I start a tournament I'm never thinking about winning or losing," Lewis told reporters. "I just try to go out there and put all the mental energy I can on the shot that I'm playing and not get too far ahead of myself.

"If I'm able to produce and perform the shots as best I can, then I know I'm going to probably shoot a pretty good number and then I'll have a chance maybe to win, and that would be good.

GOOD POSITION

"If you can just get yourself in a good position and have a chance on the last hole or two, then that's really good."

Lewis made a poor start at the TPC at Deere Run with a bogey on the first hole but he was error-free the rest of the way.

Birdies on seven and eight took him to one-under for the day before he picked up another stroke at the 15th.

"I was a little disappointed today that I didn't start off better," said Lewis. "Because when you're in a situation and you've got a chance to do well, you want to start off good and start making birdies, and I just didn't do it.

"I hit the wrong club there on the first tee. I wasn't nervous or anything, I thought there was more wind than what there was, and I pushed it about 10 yards and I wish I could have that one back."

American Todd Hamilton, who will defend his British Open crown next week, had a 70 to stay within sight of the leader on eight-under 205.

Defending champion Mark Hensby of Australia also signed for a 70 for 206.

A place in the British Open will be at stake in Sunday's closing round for the highest non-exempt player.

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