Play resumes at Augusta National

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) - Third-round play resumed at the U.S. Masters on Saturday after a 40-minute suspension due to the threat of lightning at Augusta National Golf Club.

Officials called a halt at 1300 local (1700 GMT) and heavy showers fell for around 10 minutes on the hilly par-72 layout but spectators were permitted to stay out on the course.

Rain and gusting winds had greeted the early starters with South African Trevor Immelman holding a one-shot lead, and Phil Mickelson and four-times champion Tiger Woods hoping to make a move.

Immelman, 28, set the pace at eight-under-par 136 after two rounds of 68. One shot adrift was 27-year-old American Brandt Snedeker, paired to tee off with the South African at 1520 (1920).

They are both bidding for a first major championship victory.