SOUTHPORT, England -- As improbable as it sounds, Greg Norman is the leader after three rounds of the British Open.

The 53-year-old Australian managed to shoot a 2-over-par 72 on
an extremely windy day at Royal Birkdale. At 2-over for the
tournament, the Shark holds a two-stroke lead over defending
champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland, who also carded
a 72, and second-round leader K.J. Choi of South Korea, who signed
for a 75.

Englishman Simon Wakefield matched par 70 and is 5-over after 54
holes. He'll play with Choi tomorrow in the second-to-last group
behind Norman and Harrington.

Americans Ben Curtis and Anthony Kim are in a group of golfers
tied for fifth place at plus-7. Curtis won the Claret Jug in 2003.

Norman, who married former tennis star Chris Evert three weeks
ago, is trying to become by far the oldest winner of a major
championship.