Matsuyama keeps lead after third round 62 in PGA Tour opener

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epa11572533 Hideki Matsuyama of Japan reacts after making a birdie putt on the 16th green during the first round of the 2024 Tour Championship golf tournament at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 29 August 2024. EPA/ERIK S. LESSER

Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama is leading after an 11-under par 62 on Saturday to maintain a one-shot advantage through three rounds at The Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii.

Matsuyama, who was the second-round leader, is in a two-man tussle with Collin Morikawa, who also shot 62 in the PGA Tour season-opening event.

Matsuyama, who set the tournament record for lowest 54-hole score at 27 under, and Morikawa were tied at the turn. Matsuyama had birdies on four of the last five holes.

“Was nice to have to put a round together like that from start to finish,” Morikawa said.

“Collin played well and I just kind of followed him, so good day,” Matsuyama said. “It was a lot of fun, but I would like for him to take it easy on Sunday.”

Belgium’s Thomas Detry is in third at 22 under after his 65. A 62 for South Korea’s Sungjae Im moved him into fourth at 21 under. His round included an eagle on the par-5 fifth hole. England’s Harry Hall (66) is in fifth place at 20 under.

Max Greyserman made a big move by shooting 63 to move to 19 under for the tournament. He played a bogey-free round and is even in sixth place with Will Zalatoris (65) and first-round leader Tom Hoge (68).

Cam Davis shot 64, yet lost ground on the leaders despite eagles on Nos. 5 and 14. The Australian is at 18 under with five other golfers.

South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout made a significant jump up the leaderboard with his third round 63 for total of 206 but is still 14 shots behind the pace. He is tied for 29th place.