Four-way battle for title

Four players with one victory between them headed the leaderboard with nine holes to go in the US Tour’s FBR Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, today.

Texan Ryan Palmer, who won the Disney Classic in his rookie season on the circuit two years ago, went to the turn in a two under 33 and at 17 under was one ahead of John Holmes, playing just his fourth event since turning professional at the end of last year.

Another rookie, Colombia’s Camilo Villegas, climbed into a share of third place with JJ Henry on 14 under, but then drove into the water on the 11th.

Leading European was Norway’s Henrik Bjornstad – yet another playing his first season on the tour.

He was in a tie for ninth, but at 11 under with five to go he appeared to have too much ground to make up.

Defending champion Phil Mickelson fixed four birdies with three bogeys in his first 14 holes and stood nine under.

World number two Vijay Singh was one stroke further back, while England’s Brian Davis and Justin Rose were seven under and six under respectively.