Rahm grabs lead in LA

LOS ANGELES: Third-ranked Jon Rahm seized the lead of the Farmers Insurance Open on Saturday while Rory McIlroy chased the world number one spot and Tiger Woods charged into contention for a record-setting 83rd career US PGA title.

Rahm made five birdies and an eagle to shoot a bogey-free seven-under par 65 and stand on 12-under 204 after 54 holes at Torrey Pines with American Ryan Palmer one shot back after a 71.

“I was really focused. To stay bogey free at Torrey Pines is a really good round,” said Rahm, who made all 15 of his putts from 10 feet or less. “I hit a lot of really good putts.” Woods, who has eight career triumphs at Torrey Pines, fired a 69 to stand five behind Rahm entering Sunday’s final round at the seaside San Diego layout.

“I’m going to have to shoot a pretty good round tomorrow,” Woods said. “I’ll have my work cut out for me. I’ll have go out there and post a number and hopefully it will be good enough.”

Second-ranked McIlroy, needing a victory to return to world number one for the first time since 2015, fired a 67 to join a third-place pack on 207 with South Korean Kang Sung and Americans Harry Higgs and Cameron Champ. “I hit the ball well off the tee. I gave myself plenty of chances,” said McIlroy. “If you can pack your patience around this place, just hang around, you should be OK.”