Goggin clings to lead at Memorial

By Andrew Both

DUBLIN, Ohio (Reuters) - Australian Mathew Goggin held a one-stroke lead halfway through the third round at the Memorial tournament on Saturday.

Goggin, seeking his first victory on the PGA Tour after 185 starts, carded two birdies and one bogey in nine holes at Muirfield Village.

He turned at nine under par, with American Kenny Perry breathing down his neck at eight under.

Canadian Mike Weir (13 holes) and American Jerry Kelly (10 holes) were equal third at five under, with Australian Nick O'Hern (10 holes) at four under.

Goggin made a hot start with two birdies in the first three holes to jump three shots clear but his momentum was halted by a weather delay that lasted more than two hours.

He struggled a little on the resumption but a deft short game kept the 33-year-old ahead at the turn in tough conditions.

Heavy overnight thunderstorms dumped nearly two inches of rain on the course but play began on time, only to be halted at by lightning.

Despite the long delay, it appeared the field would complete the round before darkness, getting the event back on track.

(Editing by Clare Lovell)