In Illinois, Thompson leads by two shots.

Legendary John Deere leaderboard

21 JJ Spaun (US), M Thorbjornsen (US), L Clanton (US); 19 E Cole (US), A Rai (Eng); 17 H Springer (US), CT Pan (Tpe);

Choose additional parties -14 S Power (Ire); -13 J Spieth (US), H Hall (Eng)

In the John Deere Classic in Illinois, American Davis Thompson led by two shots into the final round after shooting a nine-under 62.

With nine birdies in his third round, Thompson shot to the top of the leaderboard at 21 under, one stroke clear of England’s Aaron Rai and fellow countryman Eric Cole.

Rai achieved a five-under 66 with six birdies, sharing the lead at the halfway point with CT Pan of Chinese Taipei.

Pan is two shots further back with Hayden Springer, an American.

Thompson is aiming for his first victory, and this is the first time he has led entering the final round of a PGA Tour tournament.

Thompson remarked, “I guess it was just my day today.” “The guys playing behind me are excellent.”

“I’ve won golf tournaments before, so I know it won’t be easy to end one. All I have to do is maintain my focus.”

Harry Hall of England took the early lead on day one but fell in the rankings after shooting a one-under 70.

Jordan Spieth, the two-time winner, tied for 12th place at 14 under after shooting an eight-under 63, the second-best round of the day.

In an effort to beat the predicted storms, the final day’s play will be in threesomes, with Rai playing in the final group with Thompson and Cole.