Rosales holds nerve to widen advantage over Sorenstam

Jennifer Rosales, of the Philippines, shot a third-round 69 to extend her lead in the US Women's Open here in Massachusetts, but she was being tracked by a clutch of experienced players.

With four birdies, Rosales, who led by one at the halfway stage, finished on seven under and three shots clear of the world No 1, Annika Sorenstam, and two Americans, Meg Mallon and Kelly Robbins. Michelle Wie was six behind after a double-bogey at the last in a round of 71, while Johanna Head was the leading Briton at nine back.

In Lemont, Illinois, the defending champion Tiger Woods surged into contention in the Western Open on Saturday, firing a six-under-par 65 in gusting winds to close to within four strokes of the lead. The world No 1 finished at five under, behind the co-leaders, Stephen Ames, of Canada, and Australia's Mark Hensby.

Nigel Mansell hit his first sub-par round in a professional event yesterday with a final-round three-under 66 in the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open. The former Formula One world champion, competing as an amateur on the European Seniors Tour, hit four birdies at Royal St David's and finished on 12 over, which left him in the middle of the field with half the players still on the course.