Thailand's Marksaeng grabs lead in Miyazaki with 67

MIYAZAKI, Japan -- Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng shot a 4-under 67 on Saturday to grab a two-stroke lead at the Dunlop Phoenix tournament.

Marksaeng birdied the first and last holes at the par-71 Phoenix Country Club, and added three birdies and a lone bogey in between to finish the third round at 8-under 205, two strokes ahead of overnight leader Tomohiro Kondo of Japan.

Kondo fired a 70 and is two strokes ahead of American Brandt Snedeker (70), and compatriots Ryo Ishikawa (70), and Masaya Tomida (69).

Defending champion Ian Poulter of Britain had the day's best score of 66 to move into a tie for 14th at 1-under 212.

The $2.1 million event is one of the richer tournament's on the Japanese men's tour. Recent winners include Tiger Woods (2004 and 2005) and Padraig Harrington (2006).