Clark stays on top at Canadian Open

Wyndham Clark closed with an unlikely par save Friday to retain a one-stroke lead at the RBC Canadian Open, in front of defending champion Rory McIlroy and four other players in Toronto.

After bogeying Nos. 15 and 16 in windy conditions at St. George’s, Clark got upand-down from about 50 feet from a semi-plugged lie on the downslope in a greenside bunker on the par-four 18th. He was seven under after an even-par 70.

“Really had no chance,” said Clark, who shot an opening-round leading 63. “It was definitely the best save I’ve had of the year. It was pretty awesome.”

McIlroy (68) was tied with Matt Fitzpatrick (70), Alex Smalley (67), Keith Mitchell (67) and Jim Knous (67).

DeChambeau’s move to LIV official

Former U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau became the latest big name to sign on with the Saudifunded breakaway series LIV Golf, and Charl Schwartzel remained on course to win the maximum prize of $4.75 million at its inaugural event outside London.

DeChambeau is yet to explain why he made an aboutturn to join, having previously said he would continue playing on the PGA Tour.

On the course, Schwartzel shot a fourunder 66 to take a three-shot lead over fellow South African Hennie Du Plessis.

Elsewhere

Australian rookie Stephanie Kyriacou shot a sixunder 65 to take the firstround lead at the ShopRite LPGA Classic at windy Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway, N.J. Sweden’s Frida Kinhult was a stroke back . ... Steve Flesch shot a seven-under 65 to take the first-round lead in the PGA Tour Champions’ American Family Insurance Championship in Madison, Wis. Flesch chipped in for eagle on the par-five 11th.