Verplank, Marino tied for lead at Disney

Nov 9, 2008 - 1:12 AM KISSIMMEE, Florida (Ticker) - Scott Verplank and Steve Marino are tied for the lead after Saturday's third round of the Children's Miracle Network Classic.

Verplank entered the day with a three-stroke lead over Marino and Troy Matteson and maintained a share of the lead with a 3-under-par 69.

Marino joins Verplank at 19-under 197 after a 6-under 66. The duo has a two-stroke cushion over Davis Love III and Scott Sterling.

After two straight rounds of 8-under 64, Verplank had a tougher time making birdies on Saturday, especially on the back nine. He was 3-under at the turn after consecutive birdies and added his fourth birdie of the day at No. 11.

"I putted very good today. I missed one or two there I probably should have made, but I putted good," Verplank said. "Like I said, I played good today. The score just didn't reflect quite as good as the last couple days, but it was a different golf course today."

Verplank was still in front on the final hole but a bogey at 18 dropped him to 3-under for the day and into a tie for the lead.

"I came here to have a chance to win. So at least going into round four, I got a chance to win," Verplank said. "So I'm pleased with that."

Marino carded a bogey-free round with three birdies on each side at this $4.6 million event, the final tournament of the year which is being played on the Magnolia and Palm courses at Walt Disney World.

Verplank, who has just two top-10 finishes on the year, is seeking his sixth PGA Tour victory. His last win came at the Byron Nelson Championship in 2007.

Marino, who is seeking his first career victory, has not carded a bogey all week.

"I want to be an upper echelon type of player," Marino said. "So whether I win tomorrow or not, that's not going to change my goals for the future, but I would like to win just to prove to myself that I can do it. I believe I can do it."

Defending champion Stephen Ames of Canada, looking for his first win of the season, signed for a 69 and is at 11-under 205.

First prize is $828,000.