He wasn't quite as sharp as he was in Round 2, but Dustin Johnson was good enough Saturday to hold onto his lead in Shanghai, China. DJ carded a 6-under 66 on Moving Day at Sheshan International Golf Club and leads by three at the WGC-HSBC Champions. His round could have been much better if not for two costly double bogeys.
Here’s a look at where we stand entering the final round of the fourth event on the 2013-14 PGA Tour schedule:
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Leaderboard: Johnson (-18), Ian Poulter (-15), Graeme McDowell (-14), Graham DeLaet (-12), Justin Rose (-12), Rory McIlroy (-12), Martin Kaymer (-10), Boo Weekley (-10), Bubba Watson (-10)
What it means: Instead of slamming the door shut on the rest of the field Saturday, DJ left it slightly propped open with a couple of double bogeys, one on the final hole. So instead of what could have been an eight-stroke lead, Johnson's lead over Poulter is only three. However, DJ is still 18 holes away from his first win since the 2013 season-opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions. When he's been on his game this week he looks unbeatable, but once again seems to be his own worst enemy at the most inopportune times. Poulter will join Johnson in the final group Sunday.
Round of the day: Hope DJ enjoyed his stay as part-owner of the course record at Sheshan International Golf Club, because it was a short one. Martin Kaymer fired a 10-under 62 on Saturday to claim sole possession of the course record and surge up the leaderboard in the process. He did most of his damage on the back nine, recording six birdies in a seven-hole stretch. He's still 10 off the pace, but that course record is his to enjoy, at least until tomorrow.
Best of the rest: Poulter shot 9-under 63 and sits three shots behind his Sunday playing partner. Poulter was on 59 watch after an eagle at 14 got him to 9 under on the day, but he bogeyed 17 to take the magic number out of play. Graeme McDowell carded an 8-under 64 and was steady all day with 6 birdies, but it was his late eagle 2 on the 16th hole that shot him up the leaderboard.
Biggest disappointment: Phil Mickelson. While he's certainly played worse rounds, his Friday 68 gave Lefty some hope that a low Moving Day could get him into contention heading into Round 4. Instead, Mickelson's game stalled, wiping out his three birdies on the day with three bogeys, and finishing with an even-par 72. He sits at 5 under for the tournament, 13 shots off the pace.
Main storyline heading into Day 4: The narrative stays the same as we turn to the final round, can anyone catch Johnson? However, his late mistake suddenly makes the task a whole lot less daunting. Poulter got within one of the lead on Saturday, until DJ came roaring back, birdieing holes 13-15. But the double bogey on 18 gives Poulter a glimmer of hope. It's well documented that he likes head-to-head matchups. Can he seize the opportunity Sunday, or will the three-shot deficit prove too much to overcome?
Shot of the day: While this section normally highlights a good shot, it was a rare lowlight from DJ that could play a huge factor going into the final round. Standing on the 18th tee with a 5-stroke lead, Johnson ripped his drive into the water and had to re-tee, eventually leading to a double bogey and bringing the field within striking distance heading to Sunday.
Quote of the day: “He's got me by probably 40 (yards off the tee) but thats fine, I'll get it in there closer than him.” – Poulter, with a smile, on playing in the final group with Johnson.