MELBOURNE: Defending champion Ian Poulter jumped to a one-stroke lead yesterday and was poised for a final round battle with world number five Adam Scott at the Australian Masters at Melbourne’s Kingston Heath.
England’s Poulter came from five shots off the overnight lead to shoot a masterful eight-under 64 to be 13-under 203 after 54 holes and just shading Scott (67).
At one stage Poulter looked certain to challenge the course record of 63 set by Australian Cruze Strange last year. Both he and Scott refused to concede ground as the battle to don the tournament’s gold winner’s jacket appeared to be just between them over today’s final 18 holes.
“We have a few shots on the field but we can’t go at it as if it’s match play,” Poulter said.
“It might be a little different if we are still in front coming down the stretch but anyone back in the field is capable of shooting a low number on this golf course.”
Home favourite Scott agreed. “I’m not going to start worrying about Ian (Poulter). You only worry about that coming down the stretch. There’s a low score (for anyone) out there if you play well.”
Australian halfway leader Matthew Guyatt (75) was six shots off the lead in third spot.
Poulter and Scott put on a master class playing alongside each other in yesterday’s third round and fired 17 birdies between them.
Poulter, who won the WGC-HSBC Champions in China earlier this month, bounced out of the blocks and was six under for the day after 10 holes.
Scott said this left him with no choice but to knuckle down and keep in touch.
“He (Poulter) was going to run away with it the way he started. Sometimes when that happens you can see the shots (the other player is making) and follow his lead,” Scott said.
Quizzed about his chances of winning his first event for the year, Scott said: “We’re all going up against one of the toughest competitors in the game and he’s leading.”REUTERS
