David Howell, Richard Green and Simon Dyson found themselves in a three-way tie Saturday atop the Irish Open, but homegrown stars Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell fell out of contention on a wet, windy third round of play. England veteran Howell shot a 7-under 64 for the round's best score. England's Dyson and Australia's Green both shot 68 as many in the pared-down field struggled with blustery, damp conditions. Fourth-place Stephen Gallacher of Scotland also shot a 68 and was two shots behind the leaders. McIlroy had a terrible start, double-bogeying the first and eighth holes. He also bogeyed the par-3 third as his wind-blown tee shot sailed left into a stream. He and Northern Ireland colleague McDowell shot 72 to fell eight shots behind the leaders. Masson in front In Scotland, Caroline Masson of Germany shot a 4-under 68 to double her lead to two strokes after the third round at the Women's British Open Saturday. The 22-year-old Masson made three birdies in the front nine and three on the back to hold off a late charge from Yani Tseng. The top-ranked Taiwenese player closed to within a shot at one stage after picking up five strokes in as many holes, including an eagle. Masson will play the final round Sunday with Tseng, the 22-year-old prodigy who already has won four majors. Catriona Matthew of Scotland leads the home challenge, but she is six shots off the pace after hitting a 68. Inbee Park of South Korea is also at 207 for a share of third place. Another Korean, Na Yeon Choi, is alone in fifth on 208 after a 72. Brittany Lang, Sophie Gustafson and Pak Se-ri share sixth place a shot further back. Two share lead In New York, Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge made the most of his growing comfort level on the Old White Course by charging into a tie for the lead in Friday's second round of the Greenbrier Classic in West Virginia. The burly 31-year-old, who finished third in the event's inaugural edition here 12 months ago, fired a sparkling three-under-par 67 to vault to the top of the standings at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs. De Jonge rebounded from an early bogey with four birdies to post a seven-under total of 133, ending a sun-splashed day level with American Webb Simpson, who sank a six-foot birdie putt at the last for a 68. Former Masters champion Trevor Immelman of South Africa was a further stroke back after carding a 70, while American world No. 6 Phil Mickelson missed the cut after shooting a 73. Britain's Brian Davis birdied five of his last nine holes for a scintillating 64 to lie two shots off the pace, level with Americans Gary Woodland (70), Michael Letzig (66), Derek Lamely (70) and Scott Stallings (65).
