Originally published February 6, 2010 at 8:21 PM | Page modified February 7, 2010 at 8:25 PM

Steve Stricker leads at Riviera | Golf

Steve Stricker hit enough crisp irons and made his usual share of putts to pull away from the field at Riviera and build a five-shot lead going into the final day of the rain-delayed Northern Trust Open.

By The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Steve Stricker hit enough crisp irons and made his usual share of putts to pull away from the field at Riviera and build a five-shot lead going into the final day of the rain-delayed Northern Trust Open.

Stricker was at 14 under and had a 30-foot birdie putt on the 15th hole when it was too dark to continue Saturday. He will return Sunday morning to finish the third round.

Luke Donald finished his round at 5-under 66 just before the siren sounded and shared the clubhouse lead with J.B. Holmes (67) at 9-under 204. Andres Romero, playing in the final group with Stricker and 36-hole leader Dustin Johnson, also was at 9 under with four holes left.

George McNeill shot a 66 and was at 8-under 205. Johnson (four holes left) and Kevin Stadler (three holes left) also were 8 under. Phil Mickelson's hopes for a third straight victory appear over. He shot 71 and was 10 shots behind.

Former Husky Alex Prugh shot a 66 was tied for eighth place at 7-under 206. Seattle native Fred Couples shot a 72 and was at even-par 213. Ryan Moore of Puyallup shot a 75 and was at 219.

The tournament caught a huge break with the weather. A storm system off the California coast managed to dodge Riviera in the afternoon, leaving mostly sunny conditions.

Other tournament

• Alvaro Quiros shot a 5-under 67 and Lee Westwood and Miguel Angel Jimenez had 68s for a share of the Dubai Desert Classic lead.

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