WEBB SIMSPON’S lead at the Greenbrier Classic in West Virginia evaporated as he came under attack from fellow Americans Troy Kelly, Ken Duke and Charlie Beljan during the closing round.

US Open champion Simpson carried a two-stroke lead into the final day but by the 12th he had been overtaken by playing partner Kelly who recorded three birdies to go to 15 under-par. Simpson was level par for the day on 14 under, a mark where he was joined by Duke and Beljan.

Duke got there courtesy of an eagle at the par five 12th while Beljan holed an outrageous chip for birdie at the 13th to get into the tie for second place.

Simpson had predicted such a charge before play. “I think the golf course is playing in such a way that there’s plenty of birdie opportunities,” he said.

Tiger Woods was not around to trouble the leader after missing the cut. “When he’s not lurking around on Saturdays and Sundays, it makes it a little easier I think for other guys,” said Simpson.