PGA Tour news: Defending champion Tom Kim returns to the top of Las Vegas leaderboard
Defending champion Tom Kim returned to the top of a congested Shriners Children's Open leaderboard ahead of Sunday's final round in Las Vegas.
Kim closed with a 25-foot birdie putt to fire a nine-under-par 62 and grab a share of the lead with Adam Hadwin and Lanto Griffin on 15 under par.
Kim picked up three birdies in a five-hole stretch before wrapping it up with that long putt for birdie on the last to make it four in six.
"It was great. It's not bogey-free but it's still nine-under par," Kim said. "I played great today.
"I got into that place where I was comfortable and I was very calm. I didn't feel like I was rushing into anything. I was just really in my place.
"I had a lot of good shots. I had a lot of good looks. I left myself in some tough situations but recovered really well."
Kim is chasing a third PGA Tour title after triumphs in last year's Wyndham Championship and in Vegas, where he won by three strokes and also fired 62 in the third round.
"Nice to come back here the next year and shoot the same score as I did last year in round three," Kim said.
"I didn't try to force anything. I just tried to hit the best shots I can and if it works out great. I'm glad it worked.
"Whatever happens, I'm glad I gave myself a chance tomorrow."
England's Callum Tarren fired a third-round 62 to move within two shots of the lead.
"Today everything just went in," said the Englishman, who made 203 feet of putts in a round that included nine birdies and an eagle – the only blemish coming with a five on the par three 17th after his tee shot rolled off the green into the water.
A total of 14 players are within three shots of the lead heading into the final round.
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