Sat Jun 28 21:18:08 2008

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Risdon leads by three after Mitchell is disqualified

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Calgary, Alberta (Sports Network) - Dustin Risdon fired a six-under 65 Saturday and leads by three at the ATB Financial Classic at Cottonwood Golf and Country Club.

Risdon completed 54 holes at 19-under-par 194.

The big story though was Will Mitchell getting disqualified after the round. Mitchell would have led at 21-under, but disqualified for a rules violation.

Mitchell's caddie had been standing behind him on several shots. Mitchell said it first happened on Friday and he didn't add the penalty strokes then and therefore signed an incorrect scorecard.

"It actually first happened yesterday and it was my fault," Mitchell stated. "I didn't know the rule and for signing an incorrect scorecard I was disqualified. It is a lesson learned and I should know the rules. It's kind of a harsh learning curve, but that's the rules."

So, instead of Mitchell leading Risdon by two, Risdon is three strokes clear of Kris Wasylowich (65) and Mike Sica (66). They are tied for second at 16- under-par 197.

"I obviously feel really bad for him," said Risdon of Mitchell. "I hope he can get over it and maybe come back and win one later in the year. It's too bad because Will and I were walking down 18 and talking about how much we were looking forward to playing together again tomorrow. Obviously, that's not going to happen now."

Risdon got off to a quick start with birdies on the first and third. He made the turn at 16-under thanks to a birdie on the par-five seventh. Risdon birdied five of the first seven holes on the back nine to soar to 21-under. However, he bogeyed the final two holes to finish at 19-under.

Jordan Krantz carded a five-under 66 Saturday to move to 15-under-par 198. He was joined there by Derek Gillespie and Jim Seki, who both shot 67 in the third round.

Defending champion Mike Grob is tied for seventh at minus-13 after shooting 66 on Saturday. He stands alongside Andy Walker, Josh Habig, Steve Conway and Ricky Romano.