GOLF ROUNDUP : Bryant Needs Only a 70 to Take Canadian Lead

Brad Bryant took advantage of Steve Stricker’s early lapse Saturday and moved into a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the Canadian Open at Oakville in Ontario.

Stricker, the surprise leader through the first two rounds, came back to the pack with three consecutive bogeys in a round of 74, and Bryant needed only a two-under-par 70 to take over the lead.

Stricker is second and five others are tied for third, another two strokes back.

Bryant, a nonwinner in 16 years on the PGA Tour, will take an eight-under 208 total into today’s final round in the chase for a $215,000 first prize.

“I cannot tell you what it would mean to me to win a tournament at this stage of my career,” said Bryant, 38. “I’m at the point where winning a golf tournament could add a couple of years to my career. It could make me the player I’ve wanted to become.”

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Since losing the pain of arthritis and leaving his job as an ESPN commentator, Bob Murphy has been creating problems for others on the Senior PGA Tour.

Murphy shot a six-under-par 66 for a 134 total and a two-stroke lead over three golfers heading into the final round of the $500,000 GTE North Classic at Indianapolis.

Chi Chi Rodriguez, who had the day’s low round of 66, was tied for second with Jim Ferree and Dave Hill.

Ferree, who won the 36-hole Vantage Classic for players 60 and over for the seventh time this year, had his second 68. Hill had a 67 with the help of an eagle on the 482-yard, par-five 17th.

First-round leader Dave Stockton, seeking his fifth victory this year, was at 137 after a 71. It was his 14th sub-par round in a row.

Arnold Palmer, who turned 64 Friday, had a 67. It was his second-lowest round on tour this year and only the fifth under 70.

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Betsy King birdied her first five holes and went on to shoot a seven-under-par 65 to move into a tie with Brandie Burton and Tina Barrett for the lead at 138 after two rounds at the LPGA Ping-Cellular One Golf Championship at Portland, Ore.

Burton and Barrett each shot 70.

Tied at 138 were Missie McGeorge, Meg Mallon, Donna Andrews and Danielle Ammaccapane. Ammaccapane shot 71, the others 69.

Michelle Mackall, who had a share of the first-round lead, had a 75 and was five strokes off the pace.

Defending champion Nancy Lopez shot a 78 and missed the cut.