Rose in Reverse, Matsuyama Leads Masters by 4
Sunday, April 11, 2021

    Justin Rose was stuck in neutral for the second straight day at Augusta National, remaining at 7 under par, dropping him into a second-place tie in the Masters at the same time that Hideki Matsuyama was shifting into overdrive and roaring into a convincing lead. 

    Rose has been at 7 under after each of the three rounds, while Matsuyama's late heroics led to a 7-under-par 65, and, at 11 under, he holds a four-stroke lead over a diverse quartet heading into the finale.

    Matsuyama's round began quietly enough as he made par on the first seven holes. He birdied No. 8, added a par on 9 and turned in 1-under-35 for the day and a contending 5 under for 63 holes. But the Japanese star went bananas on the back, making four birdies and an eagle 3 on the par-5 15th and wound up with nines of 35-30. He was 4 under for holes 15, 16 and 17. 

    Rose, meanwhile, stalled in place, is deadlocked with Xander Schauffele, who shot 68, Marc Leishman, who added a 2-under 70, and youngster Will Zalatoris, who has posted rounds of 70-68-71. 

    Corey Conners, at 6 under, and Jordan Spieth, 5 under, are still alive, but it will take a major effort by either to overtake Matsuyama unless he tanks on the final 18. 

    Phil Mickelson, who barely made the cut at +3, moved up to a tie for 21st after a 3-under 69. The only other senior to make the cut, Jose Maria Olazabal, shot 75 and is 5 over. 

    Gator Billy Horschel's 76-71-73 has him tied for 53rd at 4-over 220.     

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