Donald moves into contention

Briton Luke Donald shot a five-under-par 67, making up six shots to tie Tom Lehman for the lead at the conclusion of the third round in the Buick Invitational.

Several players finished the third round today after persistent fog halted play yesterday.

Donald, the 27-year-old Ryder Cup player, played a bogey-free round and recorded five birdies as Lehman managed only a 73 to drop to 14-under.

Australian Peter Lonard and Charles Howell III were tied for third, one shot back, while Tiger Woods was looming alone in fourth – two shots back – after shooting an even-par 72.

Howell, who has already completed three holes in the final round, returned to the hunt after having the tournament’s best third round with a 64.

Donald is seeking his first PGA Tour victory since the 2002 Southern Farm Bureau Classic, while Lehman has not won since the 2000 Phoenix Open.

Vijay Singh, the top-ranked player in the world who won last week’s Sony Open, is six strokes off the pace.