Choi keeps Chrysler lead with late flourish

MIAMI, Oct 29 (Reuters) South Korea's K J Choi birdied the final hole to remain top of the leaderboard after three rounds of the Chrysler Championship, one shot clear of the chasing pack led by South African Ernie Els.

Choi, who began the day with a one-shot cushion, endured a roller-coaster afternoon at Palm Harbor Copperhead course, mixing five birdies with four bogeys for a one-under 70.

The Korean, however, was able to preserve his lead with a sturdy finish that included birdies at the par five 14th and another at the par four last for a combined nine-under 204.

Els and Americans Brian Gay and Paul Goydos are a shot adrift going into today's final round.

World number seven Els, who chasing his first PGA Tour win in two years and a place in next week's season ending Tour Championship, and Gay signed for matching 70s.

Goydos is battling to earn a place among the top 125 on the Tour's money list and secure his playing privileges for next year and helped his cause with a two-under 69.

American rookie Troy Matteson roared into contention with the round of the day, returning a seven-under 64.

Matteson is enjoying a sizzling end to the season including four top 10 finishes and a maiden win at the Las Vegas Open, followed by a runner-up finish at last week's Disney Classic.

His day got off to a spectacular start with three birdies and an eagle on the opening five holes. A bogey at the par four sixth was his only blemish, but he added three more birdies on the back nine to sit just two off the pace at seven-under 206.

Joe Durant, winner of the Disney Classic, is in with a chance of back-to-back wins after a four-under 67 left him four back.

World number five Vijay Singh, the 2004 Chrysler champion, and Canadian Mike Weir are five behind the leader.

With only the top 30 players on the PGA Tour money list receiving invitations to the season finale, Els and Weir both need a strong finishes at the Chrysler to lock up a spot.

The big South African currently sits on the bubble at number 30 while Weir is 32nd.

Reuters DKS VP0520