On Friday, Chris Couch was struggling to make the cut at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. After yesterday, he was the third-round leader.

Couch shot a blistering eight-under-par 64 in windy, stormy conditions to grab a one-shot lead over Charles Howell and Joe Durant.

With four holes remaining on Friday, Couch needed to get two more birdies to stay for the weekend. He did that and made the cut on the number.

Yesterday, Couch went from tied for 58th to leader by one stroke over Howell and Durant, while Dean Wilson and Cameron Beckman are two shots behind.

Masters champion Phil Mickelson (68) and England's Ian Poulter (72) are in a tie for sixth place three strokes back.

Padraig Harrington was only two behind after going to the turn in 32, but the Dubliner then had three bogeys in the last six holes for a 71 and seven under aggregate.

Graeme McDowell, who led after an opening 64 on Thursday, is on the same mark, while Justin Rose fell back to two under after a 75 completed with a double bogey six. PA