Choi Extends Lead At Sony Open To Four Strokes After Three Rounds

Honolulu, Hawaii (AHN) - The third round of the Sony Open finished on Saturday with K.J. Choi in prime position to win the event from wire-to-wire as he shot a 66 to take a four-stroke lead going into the final day of play.

Choi's 54-round 15-under, 195 led Tim Wilkinson at 11-under and Steve Marino and Kevin Na at 10-under.

The South Korean started Saturday in fine fashion as he birdied his first two holes and then settled into a groove where he went 1-under in the next 15 holes.

Choi also birdied the last hole, which sent a small contingent of his friends who flew in from the golfer's homeland to watch Saturday's play into a frenzy.

The four-stroke advantage probably means there will be little drama in the final round. Unless, of course, someone shoots a round like Wilkinson shot on Saturday.

The rookie from New Zealand birdied seven of his first 11 holes, including two of the tougher par 3s. A birdie on the par-5 18th hole capped his round of 62, which happened to be the best round of the tournament so far.

Marino and Na missed golden opportunities to stay within striking distance of Choi with mediocre rounds. Marino shot a 69 and Na a 68.

Four other men were tied for fifth place at 9-under overall. They include: Troy Matteson, Chad Campbell, Jay Williamson and Roy Sabbatini.

After his round, Campbell acknowledged that everyone will have a hard time catching the leader on Sunday.

"He's going to be tough," he said. "He hits a lot of fairways, and that's what you have to do out here."

Making matters even tougher is the fact Choi rarely loses when he has the lead after three rounds. He is 4-0 on the PGA Tour in his career in those situations.