Canada's Nick Taylor 2 shots back heading into final round at WM Phoenix Open

Scottie Scheffler held onto the lead Saturday at the WM Phoenix Open in a bid to successfully defend his title and regain the No. 1 spot in the world.

The second-ranked Scheffler shot a 3-under 68 in front of some 200,000 fans — including WNBA star Brittney Griner — at TPC Scottsdale to get to 13 under, two strokes ahead of third-ranked Jon Rahm and Nick Taylor.

"Something I talked about at the beginning of the week was I felt like I've been on the outside looking in on Sundays," Scheffler said. "To be in the final group with a two-shot lead, I believe, is definitely a position I want to be in. I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

"A couple of swings that weren't that bad put me in some bad situations," Rahm said. "I was able to scramble really well."

Griner watched the action on rowdy 16th. The Phoenix Mercury center is spending time at home to recover from her time in a Russian jail. She was traded in a dramatic prisoner swap in December.

Taylor shot 67.

"It's fun being in this environment," Taylor said. "I think if you're not having fun, you probably shouldn't be doing what we're doing. It's a lot of fun."

Scheffler would take the No. 1 spot from Rory McIlroy — tied for 28th at 3 under after a 70 — with a victory, as long as McIlroy finishes worse than solo third. Scheffler also could get to No. 1 by finishing solo second if McIlroy is 36th or worse and Rahm doesn't win.

Rahm, the former Arizona State star from Spain, would go to No. 1 with a victory if McIlroy finishes worse than a three-way tie for second, or by finishing solo second if McIlroy finishes worse than solo 47th and Scheffler doesn't win.

Jordan Spieth and Adam Hadwin were 10 under.

WATCH | Canada's Taylor 2 shots behind Scheffler:

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