LEADERBOARD US unless stated -10 T Kite -9 S Appleby (Aus), A Scott (Aus), S Elkington (Aus), L Donald (Eng), E Els (SA), L Westwood (Eng)

The 55-year-old American hit six birdies and a bogey to leave himself on 10 under, one stroke clear of the pack.

A large group, including South Africa's Ernie Els and British duo Lee Westwood and Luke Donald, are on nine under.

Australian trio Adam Scott, Stuart Appleby and Steve Elkington are also among that pack.

"I haven't been in this situation on this Tour for a long, long time," said Kite, who is on course to win his 20th PGA Tour title.

I don't really care what the so-called experts say, one way or the other Tom Kite

"The rain has taken a bit of the teeth out of this golf course but you still have to play.

"I haven't been playing for the fans or the sceptics, I've been playing for myself.

"I'm playing because I love to play the game. I don't really care what the so-called experts say, one way or the other."

The American, who has not won a Tour event since 1993, faces a tough task with 21 players all within three shots of the lead.

World numbers four and six, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia are among that chasing pack.

Els was set for a superb round after carding a flawless four-under going into the turn, but stuttered coming home with two bogeys and a birdie.

"I played pretty well on the front nine but on the back nine I just got a little out of position and made a few bogeys," said Els.

"But I'm only one shot behind and in contention," he added.

World number one Vijay Singh made three-under 68 to lie five-under for the championship.