Poulter keeps lead in Wales Open as Phillip Price gains

Ian Poulter survived four dropped shots in three holes of his back nine Saturday to maintain his two-stroke lead in the third round of the Wales Open.

The Englishman bogeyed the 14th and 15th and double-bogeyed the 16th, but still carded a 4-under-par 68 to reach a 16-under total of 200.

Phillip Price, who surprised Phil Mickelson 3 and 2 in their Ryder Cup singles last year, continued to hold second place, matching Poulter's 68 in much steadier fashion for a total of 202.

Fredrik Jacobson of Sweden, seeking his third victory of the season, held third spot on 203 after a 64, which would have been a course record had Jarrod Moseley of Australia not turned in a 63 a few minutes earlier.

Poulter, the winner of a title in each of the last three seasons, said that he swung the club better than ever despite his back nine, which he said was unlucky.

"I am not making many mistakes. But I need to play a little better tomorrow," he said.