Scheffler builds 3-shot lead at Hero World Challenge

NASSAU, Bahamas — Scottie Scheffler made two eagles on Saturday in his round of 7-under 65 that gave the No. 1 player in the world another chance to win the Hero World Challenge. Tiger Woods will be around at the end, but only to hand out the trophy.

Scheffler, a University of Texas product, was never seriously out of position for a three-shot lead over Matt Fitzpatrick, who also had a 65.

Scheffler has been runner-up to Viktor Hovland each of the last two years. Woods being out of the mix is also not unusual, mainly because he typically is recovering from injuries.

He was over par on the back nine for the third straight round, having to settle for a 71 that left him 16 shots behind Scheffler.

Justin Thomas had a 68 and was five shots behind. Jordan Spieth shot 71 and was six shots back.

Lee, Hoshino lead Australian Open: Min Woo Lee made a dramatic birdie on the 18th hole to keep his bid of winning back-to-back titles on track despite a challenging day in the third round of the Australia Open on Saturday at Sydney.

Lee produced a trademark dazzling chip from the bunker and then rolled in for birdie on the par-5 18th to move back to the top of the leaderboard at 13-under with Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino.

Lee and Hoshino hold a one-shot lead over Englishman Alex Fitzpatrick (66) and American Patrick Rodgers (68), who are in a tie for third.

Schaper, van Velzen surge at South African Open: Home players took over the South African Open Championship in the third round Saturday as Jayden Schaper and Ryan van Velzen claimed a share of the lead and Dean Burmester moved into contention to win on back-to-back weeks on the European tour.

SOCCER

Rodman powers USWNT to win

Trinity Rodman had a goal and two assists to help the U.S. beat China 3-0 in an exhibition match in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan also scored in the first of two exhibition games against China. The second is set for Tuesday.

The matches close a difficult year for the U.S. after the four-time champions were eliminated from the Women’s World Cup this summer in the round of 16, the team’s earliest exit ever.

Howard heads to

Hall of Fame: Goalkeeper Tim Howard was elected to the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame on Saturday and will be inducted on May 4.

WORLD CUP SLALOM Brignone on top at Quebec event

Federica Brignone of Italy led after the opening run of a women’s World Cup giant slalom on Saturday at Tremblant, Quebec, with American Mikaela Shiffrin sitting in fifth place.

Brignone finished the first leg on foggy Mont Tremblant in 1 minute, 6.50 seconds. Sara Hector of Sweden was second fastest in 1:06.61, followed by Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland in 106.85.