Golf-Watney overhauls Calcavecchia in New Orleans

HOUSTON, Apr 21 (Reuters) Nick Watney made the most of an early stumble by overnight leader Mark Calcavecchia to move two shots clear after the New Orleans Classic third round in Avondale, Louisiana yesterday.

American Watney, 25, bidding for his maiden PGA Tour title, fired a four-under-par 68 in blustery conditions at the Tournament Players Club for a 12-under total of 204.

One off the pace at the start of the day, he broke free from a tightly bunched leaderboard with four birdies in seven holes from the 10th.

Although he bogeyed the par-three 17th after missing the green off the tee, he parred the last to stay two in front of compatriot Ken Duke (66).

Duke, last year's Nationwide Tour player of the year, stormed into contention for a first PGA Tour victory with six birdies in a blemish-free display.

''I've never been in this position before on the PGA Tour and I'm looking forward to playing tomorrow and seeing what happens,'' the 38-year-old Duke told reporters.

''Last week I played well and I feel like my game is getting back to the right level,'' he said referring to his tie for 10th in the weather-delayed Heritage Classic tomorrow.

Calcavecchia, one ahead overnight, double-bogeyed the par-four fourth on his way to a 72 and a tie for third place at nine under with fellow American Scott Gutschewski (67).

PGA Tour rookie Kyle Reifers, the first-round leader, clawed his way back into contention with a red-hot start before bogeys on 17 and 18 gave him a 71 and fifth place at eight under.

For much of the day, the scoring fluctuated wildly and five players briefly held a share of the lead at nine under before Watney tightened his grip.

The Californian, who has never finished better than tied for fifth on the PGA Tour, birdied 10 and 11 before holing a 13-footer from off the 13th green to get to 12 under.

Watney picked up his sixth shot of the round when he rolled in an 18-footer at the par-four 16th before faltering at the difficult 17th.

REUTERS TB VC0955