Golf: Des Smyth and Padraig Harrington were locked in epic battles in different parts of America yesterday. Smyth shot a third-round course record 65 in the rain-delayed senior US PGA Championship in Aronimink Golf Club, Philadelphia while Harrington moved in to contention in the FBR Capital Open in Maryland.

Harrington, staring the day in joint 24th place, fired five birdies in a 66 that took him to seven-under-par 206 for the tournament and a share of fourth place.

Smith, meanwhile, was also on the birdie trail that took him into a two-shot lead at the end of the third round.

However, he failed to keep up the momentum and eventually finished in a share of fifth place behind John Jacobs after a final round of 74.

The Co Louth man was at his best in the worst of the conditions shooting a third round 65.

"I felt relaxed today, and I didn't feel relaxed the first two days and I struggled a bit," said Smyth. "I was happy to be one over par after two rounds. The course was playing very difficult.

"The conditions were good to play, but it was awfully wet. No matter how hard you hit, the ball stops straight away.

"The course was playing every bit of its yardage. You get no bounce and you have got to be careful to pick the right club and have confidence to fire the shot."

From the standing pools on the first tee box to the overflowing torrent by the 10th fairway, the already saturated TPC at Avenel took another pounding on Saturday, wiping out a full day of play.

When play resumed yesterday Harrington was quickly into his stride in a first nine of 33 and the Dubliner came home in 33 without dropping a shot for a 66 to move up 19 places and into contention for the top prize.