Bill Haas shoots into the lead in California

Defending Northern Trust Open champion Bill Haas shot to the top of the leader board in California  going into the final round with a seven-under-par 64.

Haas has been steadily improving all week and followed rounds of one under and four under with a blemish-free circuit which was highlighted by an eagle at the par-four 10th and gave him a commanding three-shot lead on 12 under.

Heading the chase were Webb Simpson, Charl Schwartzel and John Merrick on nine under, with world No 3 Luke Donald and overnight joint leader Fredrik Jacobson a shot behind.Haas commented "So I think I have just got to try to stay in the moment, don't let my emotions get the best of me . The guys behind me are going to make birdies and it will certainly get closer at the top. So I've just got to hang in there andf give myself a chance on the back nine."