Miguel Angel Jimenez takes lead at U.S. Senior Open

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio — Miguel Angel Jimenez was back on top on a Saturday, this time in the U.S. Senior Open at difficult Scioto County Club. The 52-year-old Spaniard was looking for a better late Sunday afternoon result after missing chances in his past two events.

Jimenez put himself in position to break out of his title funk Saturday, finishing off 1-under 69 in gusty wind and sheets of rain to take a one-stroke lead. He was in a lot better shape in Scotland and Minnesota in the past two tournaments — and came up empty.

Three weeks ago at Carnoustie in the Senior British Open, Jimenez took a four-stroke lead into the last day only to shoot 75 and tie for third, three strokes behind winner Paul Broadhurst. Last week in the 3M Championship, Jimenez was a stroke ahead entering the final round and ended up losing when Joe Durant shot 63 and eagled the first hole of a playoff.

"Just keep playing golf and give myself patience. That's the main thing," Jimenez said. "Whatever happens, happens. Obviously, at the Open in Scotland, I lost that tournament there without playing bad, and here tomorrow we have to play 18 holes, and whatever happens, happens. Just keep focused and enjoy yourself. That's the main thing."

Jimenez won in Mississippi in March for his third career Champions victory. He has 15 regular European Tour victories, the last in the 2014 Spanish Open at a tour-record 50 years, 133 days. And he's famous for the fun-loving ways that have prompted some to call him "The Most Interesting Man in the World."

"Of course, you have to enjoy yourself, and I enjoy myself," Jimenez said. "You look at my office, no? It's a great life, no? That's what I want to do in my life, is play golf."

Jimenez had 3-under 207 total on Jack Nicklaus' boyhood course. Gene Sauers was second after 71.

Jimenez was three strokes behind Joey Sindelar entering the round. Sindelar had 77 to drop into a tie for sixth at 2 over.

PGA: Ryan Moore shot two more rounds of 6-under 65 to move to 18-under 195 and take the third-round lead in the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Ill., finishing in nearly dark conditions. After opening Thursday with 65, Moore never got on the course Friday in the rain-delayed tournament that finally got back on schedule when the players raced to finish before dark. Morgan Hoffman and Ben Martin each shot 62 to move within a stroke.