• Memorial Tournament, Round Three

Levin takes lead as suffering Tiger fades

ESPN staff
June 2, 2012
Tiger Woods started well but faded © Getty Images
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Spencer Levin will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Memorial Tournament, after a day where Tiger Woods seemed to succumb to the effects of illness.

Woods, who has been struggling with allergies and flu-like symptoms all week, looked to have played himself firmly into contention during the early part of the third round on Saturday, but faded badly over the back nine as Levin and Rory Sabbatini moved away from the field.

The fast-swinging Levin, who blew a great chance to win the Waste Management Open earlier in the year, is one shot clear of Sabbatini at eight-under after a round of 69 - one that could have been so much better if not for two late bogeys.

The South African, meanwhile, managed a round of 71 to stay in contention at seven-under.

Woods was also seven-under after he made birdie at the seventh, but he conspired to make four bogeys and just one additional birdie over the tricky back nine as he slipped back to four-under a round of 73.

That allowed Rickie Fowler to burst past him at five-under following a 69 - as the popular American bids for his second PGA Tour victory after opening his account at Quail Hollow earlier this year.

Elsewhere, Ryo Ishikawa, Jonathan Byrd and Henrik Stenson are all three-under as they bid to cause a surprise over the final 18 holes.

World No. 1 Luke Donald is unlikely to join them, however, after a third round 75 left him three-over for the tournament.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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