Lawrie primed for Dunhill prize

McGinley leads the way in Scotland

Dunhill Links Championship

Scot Paul Lawrie grabbed a share of the lead following another weather-affected day at the Dunhill Links Championship.

The pro-am contest is set for a Monday finish after just a few hours play were possible at the three courses - Carnoustie, St Andrews and Kingsbarns.

Lawrie found the form which took him to the Open title at carnoustie but this time his superhuman efforts came at the Old Course at St Andrews.

The Aberdonian struck eight birdies in 12 holes to move alongside Ireland's Paul McGinley in a race for the £551,000 first prize.

Our overriding objective is to try to play all four rounds - even if that means Monday

Tournament director Peter German

Lawrie, eight adrift at halfway, birdied the first three holes, then the fifth and sixth.

He added a two on the 175-yard eighth and parred the ninth he was out in 30.

On the 10th Lawrie began with a birdie and then grabbed another on the 314-yard 12th that brought him up to 13 under par.

McGinley was over at the tougher Carnoustie links and recorded 11 straight pars before play was called off.

Three behind in joint third place were title favourite Ernie Els, Londoner Brian Davis, Swindon's David Howell and Australian Peter O'Malley.

Tournament director Peter German was hopeful that the event would have more luck in the remaining days.

"Our overriding objective is to try to play all four rounds, even if that means Monday," he said.

"The forecast tomorrow is for it to be wet again, but not as wet - showers with some bright intervals."

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Leading positions after the third day of the Dunhill Links championship at Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the Old Course, St Andrews
(Gbr & Irl unless stated, round to be completed tomorrow):

13 under - Paul McGinley (after 47 holes) Paul Lawrie (48)
10 under - Brian Davis (45)
David Howell (47)
Ernie Els (Rsa) (44)
Peter O'Malley (Aus) (45)
9 under - Jamie Donaldson (49)

Others:

8 under - Retief Goosen (Rsa) (46)
6 under - Darren Clarke (45)

Teams:

23 under - Lucas Parsons/Jeremy Lambourne (43)
22 under - Brian Davis/Michael Wang (45)
Jamie Donaldson/Nasser Hussain (49)
21 under - Anders Forsbrand/Eric Fellner (47)