Rose blooms in rain

Justin Rose sent a message of his well-being to Europe's Ryder Cup captain, Bernhard Langer, with a superb seven-under-par 65 to move up from 35th at halfway to joint fourth at 14 under par of the rain-affected HP Classic of New Orleans.

Ahead of the 23-year-old, Joe Ogilvie posted a bogey-free 66 to secure a two-shot lead over the Masters champion, Phil Mickelson, and Charles Howell III. The 30-year-old Ogilvie, whose highest finish this year was tied for 19th at last week's Houston Open, moved to a 17-under-par total of 199, in the tournament that was due to be completed yesterday, the second USPGA tour event in a row to run over into a fifth day.

Mickelson, twice a winner already this season, bogeyed the 18th hole and finished with a three-under 69. Rose roared into contention with a solid front nine of two-under 34, then five birdies, including a chip-in at the 18th.

*Becky Morgan came close to becoming the first Welsh winner on the LPGA Tour until she fell one shot shy in a thrilling final day at the Chick-fil-A Charity Championship in Atlanta on Sunday. Jennifer Rosales, from the Philippines, claimed her first title, with Morgan in a four-way tie for second.