Webb Is Closer to a Major Feat

Karrie Webb wound up where she started Saturday, with a three-stroke lead in the LPGA Championship and in perfect position to become the youngest woman to win the career Grand Slam.

The look on her face when she walked off DuPont Country Club at Wilmington, Del., with a one-under-par 70, however, made it clear that this major is hardly finished.

“I hung in there,” the 26-year-old Australian said after finishing at 12-under 201. “I’ve got a long 18 holes to go, and a lot of girls played well today. It’s not over.”

Laura Diaz, the daughter of a north Florida club pro, had three consecutive birdies from inside 10 feet on the back nine for a 66 and was at 204, along with Maria Hjorth of Sweden, who also shot a 66.

Another stroke back were Wendy Ward (71) and Laura Davies (70), who survived a double bogey on No. 14 to remain in striking distance of her chance to win and get into the Hall of Fame.

Heavy rain left parts of the already soggy Westchester Country Club under water, forcing postponement of the third round of the Buick Classic at Harrison, N.Y.

If the round can be played today--there was more rain in the forecast, plus fog--officials said they’d complete the tournament Monday. But PGA tournament director Slugger White said a Tuesday finish was not out of the question.

Sergio Garcia and Scott Hoch were tied for the second-round lead at seven-under 135, one shot ahead of Mark Wiebe. Tiger Woods, who avoided the cut by shooting a 66 in the second round he completed Friday, was tied for 30th--six shots back.

Garcia birdied the last two of the eight holes of the second round he had left to complete early Saturday and finished with a 67. Hoch birdied No. 18, the ninth hole he had remaining, to complete a 68.

Mike Hill shot a six-under 66 in the second round of the $1.4-million FleetBoston Classic at Concord, Mass., taking a one-stroke lead into the final day as he goes for his first senior victory in five years.

At 62 years 6 months, Hill would be the third-oldest golfer to win on the senior tour and the oldest since Gary Player won the Northville Long Island Classic three years ago at 62 years 9 months.

Defending champion Larry Nelson, the first-round leader with a 65, shot a 69 in the second round--bogeying the 17th hole to drop to 10 under and finish the day one stroke behind Hill.