Brian Gay fired a four-under 66 on Saturday to maintain a one-shot lead after three rounds of the St. Jude Classic and keep a US Open berth in his sights.

Gay, who won at Hilton Head in April, can earn an Open berth with a second victory of the season. His 14-under total of 196 gave him a one-shot lead over Bryce Molder heading into Sunday's final round.

Gay, who has just five bogeys this week, made his only one of the day Saturday at 18, where his second shot, from a fairway bunker, found the water. Gay said he wasn't thinking yet about the possibility of punching his ticket to the second major championship of the year, the US Open at Bethpage Black next week.

"Not till you mention it. Not really. Not when I'm out there, I don't think about it. I mean it's a major. I'd love to play in it. I expected to be off next week ... I've got enough work to do here to not have to worry about that. Nothing I need to think about," Gay said.

Phil Mickelson, who is warming up for a US Open bid, carded a 68 to lie 10 shots off the pace at four-under.

The American is playing his first tournament since revealing last month that his wife is fighting breast cancer. He'll play the US Open as well, and after that his schedule remains uncertain.

"I haven't putted well the first three days. I feel like I've struck the ball well but have not been able to get it in the hole and shoot a number, a good low number and mostly because of the putter," Mickelson said.

"I'll spend some time on that in the next few days and should be able to get it ironed out for next week."

Molder shot a 65 for 197, while Australian Robert Allenby, one of the players who had to come back and complete his second round on Saturday morning after thunderstorms halted play on Friday, fired a third-round 68 and was alone in third on 199.

Paul Goydos posted a 64 for 200, while Woody Austin (68), Heath Slocum (67) and Vaughn Taylor (69) were tied on 201.

Gay came into the tournament as one of seven players with a chance to earn a trip to Bethpage. He has led by one stroke after every round.

With five birdies in his third round, he dipped as low as 15-under and led by as many as three strokes. Once again his putting was superb, as he needed just 24 putts.

After Friday's delay, more storms were forecast for Sunday, prompting organizers to move up the tee times for the final round in a bid to beat the weather.

AFP

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