Rose blooms with monkey off his back

RELIEVED of the burden of trying to seal a maiden win, a relaxed and clear-thinking Justin Rose moved into a four-shot lead heading into the third round at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut yesterday.

The Englishman, 29, who earned his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Memorial earlier this month, set about doubling his tally at TPC River Highlands with a bogey-free, eight-under-par 62, just one stroke off the course record.

Following on from an opening 64 that had put him in a four-way share of the lead, Rose's lowest round of the year allowed him to reach halfway in the tournament at 14 under par, four strokes ahead of American Kevin Sutherland, who shot a second consecutive 65.

"I think I'm just on a nice streak," Rose said. "I'm not getting in my way. I'm letting it happen.

"It's nice to not field the question, 'Can this be your first win?' I must say. That helps.

Rose is five strokes clear of Vijay Singh, Bill Lunde, Charlie Wi and US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington could not repeat his opening 64 and carded four bogeys en route to a 71.

Europe's college golfers lost their grip on the Palmer Cup after a 13-11 defeat to the USA at Royal Portrush yesterday.

Dean Robertson's side, aiming for a third successive win in the Ryder Cup-style clash, had trailed 9-7 with eight singles ties to play but a 4-4 draw in the final day session gave the US a narrow victory.

Raymond Russell sits a shot off the lead heading into the closing round of the Alps Tour's Mirabelle International Open in France.

The former European Tour winner, who roared in contention with a second round 61 on Friday, added a five-under 67 yesterday for a 16-under 200. Prestonpans pro Russell, a winner on the Alps circuit earlier this season, finished in a share of second behind Spanish leader, Juan Antonio Bragulat, who hit a 67 for 199.

Perth rookie Gavin Dear also fired a 67 and moved to the fringes of the top-ten with a 206.