Stricker on course for treble

Defending champion Steve Stricker will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the John Deere classic in Illinois after another impressive round.

Stricker, the highest-ranked American in the world at number five, is aiming for a third straight title in the event, and overhauled round-two leader Chez Reavie to put himself in pole position to do so.

Striker carded a round of 63 to leave him at 20 under for the week, having signalled his intentions with a monster 75-foot putt on the first hole for birdie.

He picked up four more birdies before the turn, and three more after it, and if he can hold on to his lead tomorrow, he will join Tiger Woods as the only American to win a PGA Tour event three years in a row in 30 years.

His nearest challenger is the unheralded Zimbabwean Brendon de Jonge, who matched Stricker stride for stride with a 63 of his own.

Reavie is one shot further back – three off the pace – after a disappointing 68, with Kyle Stanley fourth on 16 under, three clear of Cameron Percy of Australia.

A back nine that featured five birdies helped Englishman Brian Davis end the round on 10 under. He is one of 14 men on that score, among them Steve Marino, who saw his title challenge weaken with a two-over 73.

Australian Jason Day sits bottom of the leaderboard on two under – hardly ideal preparation for a man looking to build on two second-place major finishes at next week‘s open at Sandwich.

“I don’t know what it is about this place,” the 44-year-old Stricker said afterwards,

“I feel very comfortable here. I feel relaxed out there. It has been a great ride the last couple years and I’m having a lot of fun out there.”