Simpson vaults into lead at Wells Fargo event

Webb Simpson soared to the top of a crowded leaderboard after three rounds of the USPGA Tour's Wells Fargo Championship by shooting a three-under 69 at Quail Hollow on Saturday. Simpson posted a birdie on the par-four 15th and then rolled in a 12-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole as he took a one-stroke lead over fellow Americans Ryan Moore and DA Points in the $6.5 million dollar event. Simpson, who was tied for the lead after the first round, reached a 54-hole total of 14-under 202, capping his round with a two-putt par at 18.. He was among seven players who had a share of the lead at one time or another in the round. Moore (68) and Points (69) both shot bogey-free rounds and are tied for second at 13-under 203. Former champion Rory McIlroy registered eight birdies and two bogeys en route to a six-under 66 for 204. The world No. 2 McIlroy was tied for fourth with overnight leader Nick Watney, who shot an even-par 72. The young star from Northern Ireland has a shot at regaining the world number one ranking this week.