Compton, Day share Zurich Classic lead

AVONDALE, La. -- Erik Compton birdied four of six holes after a nearly six-hour rain delay Saturday, giving the two-time heart transplant recipient a share of the lead with Jason Day early in the third round of the rain-plagued Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Compton and Day were at 13 under, a shot ahead of Justin Rose, Blayne Barber, Jerry Kelly and David Hearn at TPC Louisiana when play was suspended due to darkness.

Compton finished six holes, and Day played three. Before rain halted play at 12:14 p.m., Day finished off a 7-under 65 to take the second-round lead.

Seeking his first win on the PGA TOUR, Compton also completed a 65 in the second round.

"It was nice to come out this morning and finish the round," Compton said. "And then, I basically just did what everybody else did, just saddled up and waited."

Compton opened the third round with a birdie on the first hole before the long delay. He came back with a birdie on the par-5 second and added birdies on the fourth and fifth holes.

"It's going to be a low scoring tournament so fortunate to get off to a decent start, a good start," Compton said. "It's a lot of golf, so you know you have to reach a number."

ZURICH CLASSIC: Leaderboard | The Upshot | Round 3 photo gallery | Projected FedExCup | Tournament video

The strong storm that moved through the area downed at least one tree and toppled tables. Play resumed at 5:57 p.m. and was suspended for the day at 7:32 p.m. local time.

TOUR officials said play is scheduled to resume at 7:30 a.m. Central time on Sunday. Players will not be re-paired for the final round.

Saturday was the third consecutive day rain has either halted or suspended play. On Thursday, play was suspended for 1 hours, 18 minutes. On Friday, play was suspended for the day at 4:30 p.m.

It took Day 13 hours to get in seven holes Saturday.

"It's just a lot of patience you had to have today," Day said. "I know that it's very easy to get frustrated and start getting angry at the things that have gone on, especially with the weather. But with everyone that's getting frustrated I know I can't. Just got to stay centered and keep pushing."

The Australian, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 6, will open his title defense in the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Match Play next week in San Francisco

Barber finished 11 holes, Hearn seven, Rose six and Kelly five.

Dustin Johnson, ranked No. 7 in the world, was 7 under. Boo Weekley, the first-round leader after a 64, was 9 under -- 1 over through five holes in the third round.

NOTES: Rickie Fowler and Steve Stricker missed the 36-hole cut. ... Tournament officials said shortening the tournament to 54 holes wasn't being considered.