Koepka forced out of CJ Cup defence

Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the CJ Cup after a long-standing knee issues flared up again ahead of the third round. The four-time major winner underwent stem cell treatment on a partially torn patella tendon during the off-season in a bid to avoid surgery, revealing he has been battling the issue since mid-March earlier this month. Having missed the cut at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, the 29-year-old arrived in South Korea claiming to be 100 per cent fit but, after shooting an opening 69, he struggled through his second round as he carded a 75. The defending champion made the decision to pull out ahead of Saturday’s third round after consulting medical staff and will head back to the United States to undergo further tests. Meanwhile, Danny Lee and Justin Thomas will head into Sunday’s final round tied for the lead on 15-under, three shots clear of the field. New Zealander Lee carded a long-range eagle putt at the 18th to sign for a four-under 68, while Thomas made bogey at the last to miss out on claiming the lead outright as he signed for a 70. Cameron Smith is back in third with Jordan Spieth on -12, Byeong Hun An and Wyndham Clark tied for fourth a further shot back.