Snedeker up by three after late birdie run

NAPA, Calif. — Brandt Snedeker birdied the final three holes Saturday to take a three-stroke lead into the final round of the PGA Tour’s season-opening Safeway Open.

Snedeker finished with a 3-under 69 in windy conditions to get to 16-under 200 on the North Course at Silverado Resort and Spa.

“I’m really proud of the way I stepped up there and hit some quality shots when I needed to,” Snedeker said. “I made some birdies and gave me a little bit of cushion for tomorrow.” Kevin Tway was second after a 68. Sungjae Im (69) was at 12 under, and Bill Haas (67) followed at 11 under.

Phil Mickelson, tied for second entering the round, had a 74 to drop into a tie for 15th at 8 under.

■ European PGA: At St. Andrews, Scotland, Tyrrell Hatton of England is on course to become the first golfer since Tiger Woods 11 years ago to win the same European Tour event three years running.

Hatton shot a 6-under 66 in the third round at St. Andrews, one of three courses being used at the Dunhill Links Championship, to open a onestroke lead at 14-under 202.

Marcus Fraser of Australia was one shot back after a 67.

Woods was the last player to win the same European Tour event three straight times, in 2007.

■ LPGA: At Incheon, South Korea, South Korea moved ahead of the United States at the end of a weather-affected third round at the eight-nation International Crown event.

The top-seeded team won both fourballs against England to move to the top of Pool A with 10 points, three ahead of its opponent in second. The U.S. took Pool B with eight points with Sweden two points behind in second.

Those four teams advanced to the final singles round and were joined by Thailand, who won a three-way wild-card playoff against Australia and Japan.