Burns keeps Houston lead after Day’s late stumble.

Jason Day stumbled at the end at difficult Memorial Park, three-putting for bogey on the par-4 18th to fall a stroke behind Sam Burns in the Houston Open.

“Unfortunately, I just gave it a little bit too much gas,” Day said.

Winless in 21⁄2 years and fighting lingering back and neck problems, Day shot a 3under 67 on Saturday to remain in contention in the final event before the Masters.

“Overall, it was a solid day,” the Australian star said. “I think I drove it nice, hit a lot of good iron shots and I was just very patient out there (Saturday), so it was good to see. Looking forward to (today).”

Sam Burns shot a 68 to hold onto the lead at 9under 201.

“I think this golf course, it’s not a matter of if, it it’s a matter of when, when this golf course will hit you,” Burns said. “I think for me, just being able to hang in there.”

He eagled the par-5 eighth.

“I kind of necked the tee shot, but fortunately it stayed in the first cut,” Burns said.

Day had five birdies and two bogeys.

“I was just trying to be as patient as possible,” Day said. “I know it’s a Saturday round. Obviously, can’t win it today. You’ve got to just give yourself an opportunity to get into (today’s) round.”

Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz was tied with Day after a 67. Sepp Straka (66) was 7 under.

Dustin Johnson, needing to finish solo 15th or better to remain No. 1 in the world, was 6 under after a 66 in his return from the coronavirus.

Aaron Wise (69) and Dawie van der Walt (69) joined Johnson at 6 under.

Elsewhere

Kevin Sutherland hit a sand wedge to inches on the par-5 18th for one last birdie on a windy afternoon in the desert at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. Sutherland shot a 7under 64 to take a fivestroke lead into the final round at Phoenix Country Club. He had a 13-under 129 total. Sutherland had eight birdies and a bogey, playing the back nine in 5-under 30 in the high wind.

• Nineteen players advanced to today’s shootout in the Cyprus Showdown at Paphos, with Johannes Veerman of the United States and Matthew Jordan of England entering the final day full of confidence after shooting the lowest score in the third round. In a first-ofits-kind format on the European Tour, the scores were reset after the first two days’ play and will be again after Saturday’s round.

ERIC CHRISTIAN SMITH AP Sam Burns, who is trying to win his first PGA tournament, hits his tee shot on the first hole during the third round of the Houston Open.