Karlsson takes Mercedes Championship lead

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PULHEIM, Germany (AP) -- Robert Karlsson of Sweden overcame a one-shot penalty to shoot a 4-under 68 Saturday, taking a three-stroke lead after the third round of the Mercedes Benz Championship.

Karlsson, one of the four Europeans warming up for next week's Ryder Cup, was penalized for grounding his putter when his ball moved slightly on the second green.

"On the second hole I was over the ball but hadn't addressed the club right behind the ball," said Karlsson, who has not won a title since 2006. "The ball moved forward and I thought there wouldn't be a penalty because I hadn't addressed it but it's actually enough that the putter is on the ground. It was definitely a one-shot penalty."

He still finished the day at 12-under 204 for a three-stroke lead over Italy's Francesco Molinari and Jean-Francois Lucquin of France, who won the Omega European Masters in Switzerland on Sunday. Molinari's 65 was the best round of the week.

Karlsson qualified for his second Ryder Cup with nine top-10 finishes this season.

"I've played this course in 12 under with a penalty shot, that's the most important thing," he said. "Tomorrow I just have to keep going. It would be great to have a seven-shot lead but I would have been happy with a one-shot lead also."

Molinari made an eagle and three birdies in the space of five holes on the back nine.

"It was a really good day. It was one of those days where almost everything goes in and hopefully I can do something like this tomorrow as well," he said.

Karlsson's Ryder Cup teammates Miguel Angel Jimenez and defending champion Soren Hansen shared 12th place after rounds of 68 and 73 respectively. Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell was 23rd after a round of 70.

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