• Zurich Classic, Round Three

Donald on track for return to No. 1

Luke Donald is closing in on a return to world No. 1 © PA Photos

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Luke Donald boosted his hopes of regaining the world No. 1 spot as he fired a six-under 66 to keep himself firmly in contention at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Donald followed up his 65 on Friday with a third-round 66 to move to 12-under after 54 holes, five strokes off leader Jason Dufner.

The world No. 2 needs to finish outright seventh or better in Louisiana to leapfrog Rory McIlroy at the top of the world rankings, and he gave himself every chance heading into Sunday's final round thanks to some impressive putting, the highlight being a 35-foot birdie putt at the 14th.

Dufner leads the way after his third-round 67 featuring six birdies and a bogey, the American sinking a birdie on the final hole to move to 17-under two shots clear of the chasing pack. Hot on his heels is Canadian Graham DeLaet, in search of his maiden PGA Tour victory, after shooting 66.

However, the round of the day belonged to Ryan Palmer, who hit nine birdies as he equalled the course record with a stunning 64.

A bogey at the fourth was the only blemish on Justin Rose's scorecard as the Englishman signed for a 68 to move to nine-under. Rose is level with Masters champion Bubba Watson, who stormed up the leaderboard with his round of 65.

Having laboured on Friday, Watson showed glimpses of the form that saw him taste victory at Augusta earlier this month with an eagle at the seventh and a run of four consecutive birdies on the back nine.

Ben Curtis, a winner in San Antonio last week, is in contention for back-to-back victories as he sits on 11-under. The American's six birdies were offset by two bogeys as he signed for a third-round 68.

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