Donald Retains Nelson Lead Going Into Final Round

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Luke Donald barely holds onto the lead at the Byron Nelson Championship Saturday as he duels former Oklahoma State standout Scott Verplank.<br/><br/>Donald made a par-saving putt

Saturday, April 28th 2007, 8:20 pm

By: News On 6

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Luke Donald barely holds onto the lead at the Byron Nelson Championship Saturday as he duels former Oklahoma State standout Scott Verplank.

Donald made a par-saving putt on the closing hole to finish his 11th straight under-par round in the tournament, a 3-under 67 that put him at 10-under 200.

Donald has a one-stroke lead over Verplank going into Sunday's final round.

Donald had consecutive bogeys early to fall behind by two strokes. The Englishman recovered with five birdies in a 10-hole stretch that were enough to put him back ahead.

Verplank, who shot a 66, grew up in the Dallas area and first met Byron Nelson as a teenager.

Now in his 21st Nelson tournament, the 42-year-old Verplank will play in the final group tomorrow with a chance to finally win it.

It's the first Nelson tournament played without its namesake, who died last September at age 94.