Curtis closes in on first tournament title since his British Open win

Winning the Booz Allen Classic, a tournament that might not even exist next year, could be as important to Ben Curtis as winning the British Open.

With a five-stroke lead entering today's final round at the TPC at Avenel in Potomac, Md., he has his best chance yet to prove that his 2003 victory as a rookie at Royal St. George's was no fluke.

"I wouldn't say it's more important," Curtis said, "but it's probably close to as important for me to go out there and prove that I can win again. There, for a while, I was having doubts, but I just kept working hard and fighting through the mess that I got myself into in my golf game. Now it seems to be going in the right direction."

And, unlike his British Open win, Curtis won't be sneaking up on anybody this time. He's led from the opening day with rounds of 62, 65 and 67, his 19-under score of 213 breaking the tournament record through 54 holes.

Curtis' nearest competitor is Brett Quigley, who shot a 67 to move to 14 under. 1996 champion Steve Stricker (66) and Sweden's Daniel Chopra (67) are tied for third, seven strokes off the lead.

LPGA Tour

Jeong Jang shot a 6-under-par 66 to take a one-stroke lead over fellow South Korean Mi Hyun Kim and rookie Brittany Lang after three rounds of the Wegmans LPGA in Pittsford, N.Y.

The defending Women's British Open champion, Jang has six top-10 finishes this year -- her best a tie for second at the ShopRite LPGA Classic three weeks ago.

European Tour

Paul Casey of England birdied the 16th and 18th holes in a 7-under-par 66, taking a one-stroke lead over Colin Montgomerie after three rounds of the Johnnie Walker Championship in Gleneagles, Scotland.

Champions Tour

Tom Jenkins was 8 under par through 16 holes in the second round of the Commerce Bank Championship when play was suspended for good after a third rain delay in East Meadow, N.Y.

-- The Associated Press