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Howell claims narrow lead in Atlanta

18/05/2008

Charles Howell III has moved into a slim lead at the AT&T Classic in Atlanta, Georgia, heading the field on 13-under-par.

The American leads Kenny Perry by one shot, with David Toms, Ryan Palmer and Jonathan Byrd one shot further adrift.

Howell carded a mistake-free third round of five-under to move into the lead. The 28-year-old made two birdies on the front nine and three more on the back nine.

Howell has led going into the final round at three other events but has never ended up winning any of them. He said he planned to block those memories out and try to focus on the difficulties provided by the Sugarloaf course.

"From what I understand, it's going to be quite windy," said Howell. "This golf course is really tough in the wind. There's a lot of risk-reward out here."

Perry is still in contention despite an inconsistent round. He birdied the third hole before making an eagle at the fourth.

A dropped stroke at the ninth cost him a share of the lead but two birdies and a bogey on the back nine meant he is still in touch with the leader.

Overnight leader Byrd suffered a poor start to his third round, making three bogeys in the first eight holes. However, a birdie at the tenth and another at the last meant he did not drop too far down the leaderboard.

Toms is the most experienced player in the leading group. He shot his second successive round of 69 to give himself a good chance of capturing his 13th PGA tour title.