Donald poised to strike in Atlanta

Golf: Australia's Aaron Baddeley and America's Hunter Mahan will enter today’s final round of the Tour Championship in a two…

Golf:Australia's Aaron Baddeley and America's Hunter Mahan will enter today's final round of the Tour Championship in a two-way tie for the lead. The duo, who lie nine under overall, managed to wrestle control of the tournament away from Adam Scott, whose four-over 74 leaves him five shots off the pace.

Hope exists for world number one Luke Donald, though, who recovered from a scratchy start to end even for the day and three shots behind - a position he may well have settled for before he teed off on the first hole.

Baddeley, who was born in America but moved to Australia as a two-year-old dropped three shots on his way around, making errors on the fifth, 11th and 17th, but seven birdies and an eagle helped him make amends as he checked into the clubhouse with a six-under 64.

Mahan was equally as impressive, playing consistently all day for a four-under 66 that gives him an excellent chance of picking up a fourth Tour title.

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Both leaders will be cautious of the looming presence of Phil Mickelson, with the left-hander having carded a three-under 67 to place himself on the shoulder of the action on five under.

Anyone north of Scott will fancy their chances, with the likes of Charles Howell III (four under), KJ Choi and Jason Day (both seven under) all regulars at the business end of tournaments.