Atwal breaks into top-20 at Funai Classic

Florida, Oct 22 (UNI) Arjun Atwal fired five birdies on the trot in his sizzling eight-under 64 to enter the top 20 at the tied 14th spot after the penultimate round of the 4.6 million dollar Funai Classic here.

The performance has further strengthened Atwal's chances of retaining his PGA card for next year. The Orlando-based Indian has a three-day total of 13-under 203 after mixing nine birdies with a lone bogey in the third round while playing at the Magnolia Course in the two-course event.

Atwal -- playing his back nine first -- went on a birdie firing spree as he gained five consecutive shots from 10th to 14th holes.

Making the turn at five-under, Atwal sank in another birdie on the fourth but stumbled to a bogey on the very next hole.

However, that was to be his only miss of the day as he gained three shots between sixth and ninth to make the leap on the leaderboard.

At the top, American Troy Matteson took the sole lead with a fine seven-under 65. Matteson has a three-day total of 19-under 197 and is followed a shot behind by compatriot Joe Durant (64).

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