From Staff Reports
Augusta Chronicle

Greg Norman took a commanding six-stroke lead over playing-partner Nick Faldo after three rounds of the 60th Masters Tournament Saturday.

Norman has the largest lead heading into the final round since Seve Ballesteros led by seven strokes in 1980.

Norman rallied in the middle of the back nine to shoot a 1-under-par 71. He birdied the par-5 15th and par-3 16th to regain his six-stroke lead. He will play again with old rival Nick Faldo, who shot 73 on Saturday.

The 41-year-old Austrailian has never won the Masters but was runner up in 1986 and 1987.

American Phil Mickelson finished the round in third place at 6-under.

Norman has dominated this year's tournament since shooting a nine-under 63 on Thursday. The last player to lead the tournament wire-to-wire outright was Ray Floyd in 1976.

Norman escaped Amen Corner with his lead intact. Norman parred No. 11 and made an easy two-putt birdie on No. 13. But his major getaway came on No. 12. His approach shot spun back into Rae's Creek, he dropped about 80 yards back and hit sand wedge within 8 feet and sank it for a bogey.

Dark skies threatened to wreak havoc on Saturday's third round, but the rain held off. Forcasters are calling for mostly sunny skies Sunday, with less than a 10 percent chance of rain.