American Justin Thomas admits he needs to remain patient during the final day of the Genesis Open as he tries to protect his one-shot lead.

Thomas went into the third round with a share of the halfway lead alongside Australian Adam Scott but he moved clear after a bright start on Saturday.

He birdied the first hole before parring the next but then the poor weather once again ruined the day’s play for those that made the cut.

Play was suspended with many players still needing to complete over 16 holes of their second round and the field is set for a long day on Sunday.

Thomas, 2.30 to win at Riviera Country Club, will resume on 13-under par and he admits that he cannot get worked up with the weather set to cause further problems.

He told the PGA Tour official website: “I think I’ve seen briefly the forecast is pretty difficult.

“So I’m going to need to be patient because I’m playing so many holes. But long day and stay in it emotionally and stay patient [and] see what we can do.”

Scott remains his closest challenger, while American pair Patrick Rodgers and JB Holmes share third on 11-under. Michael Thompson sits alone in fifth, but European fans will be hoping to see Paul Casey and Rory McIlroy continue their form.

The duo are on eight-under in a share of seventh, while Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods remain inside the top 15.

Scott is priced at 4.33 to win, while McIlroy is as high as 12.00 to come from behind to win with almost two rounds to go.