THIRD ROUND LEADERBOARD:
-8 K Perry (US) -6 T Woods (US) -4 P Mickelson (US), S O'Hair (US) -3 P Harrington (Ire), S Marino (US)
Selected others: -2 E Els (US), -1 A Cabrera (Arg) +9 L Donald (GB)

Perry is chasing his third victory of the year in Sunday's finale

Kenny Perry upstaged overnight leader Tiger Woods to open up a two-stroke advantage going into the last day of the Tour Championship event in Atlanta.

American Perry, 49, began the day three shots behind his compatriot but fired a 64 to take the lead on eight under.

World number one Woods had a mixed day with a 69 to lie on six under.

But he is still favourite to retain his hold on top spot in the FedEx Cup standings even if Perry wins the Tour Championship and $1.35m top prize.

With tee times moved forward because of the threat of bad weather, Perry made the perfect start to his round with four birdies in a row.

"I wasn't expecting that kind of start, especially on this golf course," he said after putting himself in prime position to win his 15th PGA Tour title.

"I hit it beautifully. I drove it great. The couple of times I missed the fairway I was able to recover. Those opening four holes really set the tone."

Here I am at 49, I'm still trying to beat him... he'd better bring his 'A' game is all I've got to say Perry on Woods

Woods missed a 12-foot birdie chance at the opening hole and could not convert a number of other good birdie chances in his round.

"As of right now, I'm two back and have an opportunity to win the tournament," said Woods. "That's what I'm going to focus on on Sunday."

Perry admitted he would have to recreate the same type of form in Sunday's final round to have a chance of victory but was looking forward to challenging Woods.

"Here I am at 49, I'm still trying to beat him," he said. "I have fun with it. He'd better bring his 'A' game is all I've got to say."

Phil Mickelson and Sean O'Hair are tied for third, two shots behind Woods.

Mickelson shot a 66 to move into contention while O'Hair arrived at the 17th tied with Woods but found the water with his tee shot en route to a double-bogey.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington began the day a shot off the lead held by Woods but his round of 71, which included three birdies and four bogeys, left him five shots off the pace.

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