Roberts fires 64 for one-shot lead

Loren Roberts may have failed to qualify for the US Open, but he is the improbable leader after 54 holes of the Buick Classic.

Roberts, who turns 49 next month, fired the best round of the day with a seven-under-par 64, totalling eight birdies and one bogey. He played the back nine in five-under 30, closing with back-to-back birdies to move to 12-under 201.

Roberts failed to qualify for the US Open, losing a 10-man playoff for one spot earlier this week in Summit, New Jersey. But he loves the Westchester Country Club course, where he has five top-10 finishes, including a second-place tie in 2002.

Cameron Beckman birdied his final five holes to close a 66 and climbed into a second-place tie with Rory Sabbatini at 11-under. Sabbatini shot a bogey-free 65.

Second-round leader Fred Couples struggled to a 74 and joined Masters champion Phil Mickelson in a five-player group at seven-under.

Mickelson carded a 69.