Players Championship: Ludvig Aberg takes control after fatal shooting delays fan entry

Ludvig Aberg is closing in on the biggest victory of his career at the 2026 Players Championship. 

The 26-year-old Swede shot a one-under 71 on Saturday to reach 13-under, three clear of young American Michael Thorbjornsen.

While his round lacked fireworks, the golfer plotted his way nicely around the Stadium Course - though a costly bogey on the 18th left a bit of a sting. 

Aberg came into the penultimate round with a two-shot lead over Xander Schauffele but the two-time major champion toiled in round three, making three sloppy bogeys and could only manage a 74. 

Still, the 2024 Open champion is by no means out of contention on eight under given high scores can arrive out of nowhere at the PGA Tour's flagship event. 

Aside from Thorbjornsen, 24, Aberg's biggest challenge is likely to come from Cameron Young. 

Young, who was a bright spark for the United States Ryder Cup team last September, is on nine under, one clear of Matthew Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, Justin Thomas, Corey Conners and Brian Harman. 

Earlier, spectators were delayed entry after a fatal shooting occurred near the golf course. 

Two people were shot and killed at around 22:30pm EDT (5:30am GMT) on Friday night, according to the St Johns County Sheriff's Office. 

The suspect, named by law enforcement as Christian Barrios, is said to have fled to the course before being arrested at 8:00am local time on Saturday after a car chase.

Sheriff Robert Hardwick told reporters in a statement that Barrios "made contact" with employees at the course during his attempted escape. 

"He picked up - we believe it was a radio that belonged to the PGA Tour, not one of our radios and we know he dropped it after that," he said.  

"Our canines used it as a scent when they came in there."

Play on day three began on time but spectators were delayed entry until 9:00am. 

Elsewhere, the defending champion, Rory McIlroy, could only manage a level par 72 on moving day. 

The Northern Irishman came into the $25m tournament with a back injury but showed no visible signs of discomfort across 54 holes. 

World number one Scottie Scheffler carded a bogey-free 67 to surge up the leaderboard but is not in contention. 

Asked if he "found something", Scheffler said: "I think that would imply that I was lost, which is not the case. 

"No, I think I'm always just trying to get a feel for where things are at, and sometimes a little practice helps, and sometimes a little rest helps."