THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia — Padraig Harrington overcame a sore neck to shoot a 4-under 68 Saturday and take a five-shot lead after the third round of the Iskandar Johor Open.
Harrington said he injured a muscle in his neck during warmup but didn’t want to give up a chance for his first tournament victory in two years.
The Irishman said if he wasn’t leading, he would have "definitely pulled out."
His total of 17-under 199 puts him five shots ahead of five-time Asian Tour winner Lin Wen-tang of Taiwan. Lin has two late birdies for a 72.
Ahmad Bateman of Windsor, Ont., carded a 73 and was in a tie for 37th.
Harrington is looking for his fist victory since the 2008 PGA Championship.