Swede Chopra marches two shots clear at Buick Open

By Steve Keating

GRAND BLANC, Michigan (Reuters) - Sweden's Daniel Chopra recovered from a first-hole bogey to snatch five birdies and a two-shot lead after the Buick Open third round on Saturday.

Chopra, winner of the Mercedes-Benz Championship in January, began the day two adrift of overnight leader Bo Van Pelt and slipped further behind with his early bogey on a muggy day at the Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club.

The 34-year-old Swede, however, played error-free golf the rest of the way as he registered a four-under 68 for a 16-under total of 200.

Two shots adrift were Bubba Watson (68), Woody Austin (69) and Dudley Hart (70).

"I'm extremely happy to get that two-shot advantage," Chopra told reporters. "But that doesn't mean I can go play an average, mediocre round tomorrow.

"You have to get yourself in position. I think (holes) 12 through 16 are going to play a major role in the outcome.

"If you can get in position playing those holes, pedal to the metal and birdie all of them and then hope you come out the other end intact."

FIRST TITLE

Watson, who carded three bogeys in his first nine holes on the opening day, is still in the hunt for his maiden PGA Tour title.

Austin had only a bogey to show for his efforts on the front nine before finishing in style with four birdies after the turn.

Hart recorded his first two bogeys of the week but kept fighting to remain in the chase for his first victory since the 2000 Honda Classic.

Van Pelt and Kenny Perry were a further stroke adrift on 203.

Rod Pampling made a spectacular charge, reeling off 10 birdies and a solitary bogey in 16 holes.

The Australian, though, finished with two bogeys in a row to complete a 65 and join a four-man group on 11-under 205.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)