Matsuyama seizes share of PGA Kapalua lead

Matsuyama seizes share of PGA Kapalua lead

KAPALUA (UNITED STATES) - Japan's Hideki Matsuyama had eight birdies in a seven-under 66 to share the third-round lead at the US PGA Tournament of Champions with Jimmy Walker.

Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays his shot from the fourth tee during the third round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, at Kapalua Golf Club in Lahaina, Hawaii, on January 11, 2015

Matsuyama on Sunday notched the low round of the day, a birdie at the Kapalua Plantation course's 18th hole giving him a 54-hole total of 17-under 202.

Walker, who was part of a four-way tie for the top spot after the second round, carded a 67 to maintain a share of the lead.

The duo were two strokes ahead of Patrick Reed, who carded a 68, and South Korea's Bae Sang-Moon, who signed for a 69.

It was a further stroke back to Brendon Todd and Russell Henley on 205.

Masters champion Bubba Watson posted his best round of the week, a five-under 68 that put him in a tie for seventh at 12-under 207. He was joined by Robert Streb and Scott Stallings.

Defending champion Zach Johnson, who was among the leaders after the second round, carded an even-par 73 to stand alone on 208.

Matsuyama, who qualified for the winner's-only tournament with his triumph at the Memorial last season, shrugged off a bogey at the opening hole, getting back to even par for the round with a birdie at the fifth.

He birdied three in a row at seven, eight and nine, and added another run of three straight birdies on the back nine before

He made three straight birdies on the front nine and back nine before making his two-footer for birdie at the par-five 18th.

Walker, who won three tournaments last season, led by as many as two strokes during the round. He finished without a bogey, but after making five birdies in his first 10 holes he couldn't find another until the 18th to keep a share of the lead.

The $5.7 million tournament is the first US PGA Tour stop of 2015, as the 2014-15 campaign resumes after a December break. It will conclude on Monday.

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