Woods advances, Lahiri misses out
Ponte Vedra Beach ( US), May 12: Webb Simpson’s bid for a 59 ended agonisingly with a ball in the water guarding the famed island green at 17 on Friday, but his recordequalling 63 gave him a fiveshot lead at the Players Championship.
Former US Open champion Simpson, 32, had tournament officials delving into the history books when he birdied six holes in succession from the 11th through 16th holes at TPC Sawgrass, storming to 17- under par and a seven- shot lead on he field. But his tee shot at the par- three 17th hit the wooden bulkhead surrounding the green, soaring high into the air before hitting the surface and rolling into the drink. Simpson played his third shot from the drop zone en route to a humbling double- bogey five.
It was the only blemish in a course- record equalling round that included an eagle at the second hole and nine birdies.
Simpson’s 15- under total of 129 equalled the 36- hole tournament record set by Jason Day in 2015 and gave him a five- shot lead over South African Charl Schwartzel ( 66), New Zealand’s Danny Lee ( 66) and Patrick Cantlay ( 68).
Jordan Spieth ( 68) and Justin Thomas ( 70), also squeaked into the weekend while Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama, Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson all missed the cut.
Simpson will not want reminding that in the four times he’s made the Players cut he has never bettered a third- round 74.
ANIRBAN DISAPPOINTS Anirban Lahiri slumped to a mid- round tumble as he missed the cut for the third time in as many starts at the event. Starting with a solid 69, he looked stronger with two birdies in first seven holes, but went downhill after that, finishing at 75 and an even par total.