Tim Clark will carry a two-stroke advantage into the final round of the Crowne Plaza Invitational.
South African two clear at Colonial
Tim Clark will carry a two-stroke advantage into the final round of the Crowne Plaza Invitational after firing a four-under 66 on Saturday.
The South African began the third round one behind half-way leader Steve Stricker and made a quick start with birdies at the first and third.
His progress was briefly stalled by his solitary bogey of the day at the seventh but he moved clear at the top of the leaderboard for the first time by picking up shots at the 10th and 11th.
Clark parred the next six holes before finishing with his fifth birdie of the day to sign for a 66 and an overall total of 17-under-par, two ahead of Stricker, Steve Marino and Jason Day.
Having been a runner-up to Phil Mickelson at this event last year, Clark is eyeing his maiden PGA Tour win.
"I had a great final round last year. I'm going to need that again," said the 33-year-old, who has been a runner-up on six occasions.
Calm
"I'm in a different position being in the last group. I just have to stay calm."
Stricker, who had started the tournament with consecutive 63s, cooled off somewhat on Saturday with a one-under round of 69, albeit a bogey-free effort.
The American rolled in a birdie at the second but was otherwise limited to 17 pars at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.
Marino was the main mover with a best-of-the-day 62, five of his eight birdies coming on the back nine.
Also at 15-under is Day after the 21-year-old Australian went round in 65 for the third day in a row.
Fiji's Vijay Singh was alone in fifth on 13-under after carding a 69, with Americans Justin Leonard (64) and Woody Austin (67) a further shot back in a tie for sixth.
Paul Casey (66) is the leading British player in a tie for eighth at 11-under, while Ian Poulter (65) and Luke Donald (69) are part of a five-way share for 10th on 10-under.
