FLORIDA - STEVE Marino fired a six-under-par 66 on Saturday to move atop the leaderboard alongside Scott Verplank after three rounds of the US$4.6 million (S$6.88 million) Children's Miracle Network Classic.

Verplank, the overnight leader lost the outright lead when he bogeyed the final hole for the second straight day.

He carded a three-under 69 to stand tied with Marino on 19-under 197.

They were two shots in front of Davis Love, who posted a 64, and Scott Sterling, who recorded a 66.

Marino nabbed three birdies on each side and took his total of birdies for the week to 19 without a bogey so far.

'Hopefully I can keep that up,' said Marino, who is in search of his first US PGA Tour win.

'I don't know if I can go 72 holes without making a bogey.'

'That's a tall order.'

Marino started the day three shots behind Verplank but gained ground quickly with a birdie-birdie start.

Verplank found birdies harder to come by on Saturday, especially coming in. Back-to-back birdies saw him make turn at three-under, and he added his fourth of the day at the 11th.

Verplank arrived at 18 still in front, but surrendered a shot when he was unable to get up and down from a bunker.

Marino, meanwhile, made a par at the last as he two-putted from the back of the green.

'I played good today,' said Verplank, who is seeking his sixth US PGA Tour victory but his first since the Byron Nelson Championship in 2007.

'It wasn't quite as good today, but I'm doing a lot of good things. I'm putting good and driving it very straight.'

Three of the top four players on the leaderboard in this final tournament of the season have secured their playing privileges for next year.

The rest are among those battling to get into the top 125 on the money list and keep their cards.

Sterling is 153rd on the money list and needs a big fourth round to secure his spot for 2009.

For Erik Compton, each round played is a success regardless of what happens in 2009.

Compton is playing his first tournament since he received his second heart transplant in May.

'Anybody in my situation takes it second by second,' said Compton, who carded an even-par 72 for a share of 49th place on 210. -- AFP