RAHM SURGES AHEAD

McIlroy and Fleetwood close on his heels

JON Rahm stormed into the lead at the Players Championship in Florida on Saturday, firing an eight-under 64 to take a one-shot advantage into the final round as he chases his first win of the year.

The 24-year-old Spanish ace surged into contention after taming TPC Sawgrass’s Stadium Course at Ponte Vedra Beach with a scintillating exhibition of accurate iron shots and solid putting.

The world number 10 only narrowly missed out on equalling the course record 63 after finishing the third round with a 15-under aggregate of 201.

Rahm took sole possession of the lead after overnight leader Rory McIlroy endured a mixed round. The Northern Ireland star recovered from a bogey-bogey start to card a two-under 70 to finish the day at 14 under.

England’s Tommy Fleetwood will also start the fourth round one off the pace.

Fleetwood recovered from a double-bogey on the first, and two more bogeys on the front nine, to card a two-under 70 for 14 under.

Rahm meanwhile is hoping to claim his first win of the year after a remarkably consistent start to 2019 which has included top-10 finishes in five of six starts.

The Spaniard attributed his success on Saturday to a newfound mental durability.

“For the past year or so, I’ve been working so hard in the mental aspect of my game, trying to keep myself in check a little bit more,” Rahm said after his round.

“That’s been the key this week. I’ve been so balanced, nothing like I used to be, not getting frustrated when I miss shots.

“I’ve been really proud the way I’ve handled. Hopefully tomorrow I can continue it and get a good round.”

“To start two over through two and finish two under par I thought was a good effort,” McIlroy said.

“To play the final 16 holes in four under was good. I just need to keep hitting fairways and greens on Sunday. If I can do that, hopefully I can turn tomorrow into the best Sunday of the year so far.”

A crowded leaderboard behind the front three left yesterday’s final round wide open.

Australia’s Jason Day moved into contention with a four-under 68 to go to 12 under, three off the lead.

Mexico’s Abraham Ancer is fifth on 11 under, one clear of six players tied for sixth place on 10 under which includes Dustin Johnson.