Lowry holds 2-shot lead
Darkness halts US Open third round
OAKMONT, Pennsylvania—The US Open was left finely poised late Saturday when fading light forced third round play to be called off with Ireland’s Shane Lowry leading a chasing pack all primed to pounce.
A total of 32 players out of the 67who made the cut were unable to finish their rounds before nightfall.
They will head back out Sunday morning to finish up and then have a break before the final 18 holes get underway.
The clubhouse lead was held by South Africa’s Branden Grace, who had a four-under 66 for a total of one-under par.
That was two shots better than world No. 1 Jason Day who clawed his way back into contention on the back of a 66 and young Ameri- can Bryson DeChambeau, who had a 70.
“I stayed patient, I took my chances when they camemyway and I actually hit the ball 15 out of 18 greens. Gave myself plenty of chances. I missed a few, but I made up for a few of the long ones,” Grace said.
Day said that “physically and mentally” it could be tougher on those players who would have to get up at the crack of dawn to finish their rounds.
“I think I have given myself an opportunity of getting there,” said the Australian, who won his first major at last year’s PGA Championship.
Out on the course when the horn was sounded to end play it was the bearded Lowry who was best placed, standing at five-under and leading the field by two with four holes left to play.
“This is exactly where you want to be. I’ve been beating myself up over the last six months trying to get in this position. I’m here now. I might as well enjoy it while I’m here,” he said.
Next best was American Andrew Landry, the first round leader who again belied his world ranking of 624 to stand at three-under after 13 holes.
“I think I did a really good job out there. No nerves, very comfortable,” said Landry of his afternoon’s play in what was for him elevated circumstances.
English veteran Lee Westwood, Spain’s Sergio Garcia and halfway stage leader Dustin Johnson were all on two-under, each with a handful of holes to play.