KJ Choi, in his third year on the PGA Tour, grabbed his first 36-hole lead after matching the best round of his career with a seven-under-par 65 at the Compaq Classic in New Orleans. Choi had an eagle, six birdies and a bogey at the English Turn Golf and Country Club, finishing at 11 under par on 133 for a one-shot edge over first-round leader Dan Forsman.
A native from the Korean island of Wando, Choi has never finished better than fourth in 73 PGA Tour starts. Forsman followed his opening-round 65 with a 69. He began and ended his front nine - the back at English Turn - with bogeys but sprinkled in five birdies to join Choi in the third round's final pairing.
Also in contention is South African Tim Clark, who finished a 67 with three birdies in his last four holes to close within two shots of the lead on nine under at 135. Billy Andrade and Bryce Molder are tied for fourth at eight under on 136, a stroke better than Australian Geoff Ogilvy, Rich Beem and John Rollins.
Defending champion and Louisiana native David Toms is in a group of players at 138. World number two Phil Mickelson shot a 65 and sits six strokes behind Choi on 139.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
