Anthony Kim compiled a flawless performance to open a commanding four-stroke lead after the third round at the Wachovia Championship in North Carolina on Saturday.
Kim took the lead with four birdies on the front nine, and picked up two more on the inward half to shoot a six-under-par 66 in a testing breeze at Charlotte's Quail Hollow Country Club.
He posted a 13-under 203 total with one round remaining, while halfway leader Jason Bohn (72) salvaged a par with a 35-foot chip-in at the final hole to join Heath Slocum (66) in a tie for second on nine-under.
Stewart Cink (65) and Dudley Hart (70) were on eight-under with Australian Geoff Ogilvy (69) and Jim Furyk (71) a further stroke behind.
The 22-year-old Kim, who is in his second season on the PGA Tour, is still seeking his first Tour victory after finishing tied for second at the Heritage in South Carolina two weeks ago.
Born in Los Angeles of Korean parents, he is regarded by many as potentially the next great American player and a victory on Sunday would only enhance that reputation.
'I'm so excited I don't really know what to say right now,' said Kim.
'I feel like I'm ready but you never know. Every day is a new day, especially in this crazy game. I'm just glad I got the third round over with and hung in there and played a really solid round in the final pairing.'
