Holmes takes lead at Phoenix Open

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (Reuters) - Big-hitting J.B Holmes was on target for only his second PGA Tour title when his five- under-par 66 gave him the lead after three rounds of the Phoenix Open on Saturday.

In a contest played before a record crowd of 170,802, Kentucky-born Holmes enjoys a two shot lead over compatriots Charles Warren and Jonathan Byrd going into Sunday's final round.

Holmes, whose trademark "grip it and rip it" approach from the tee has been accompanied by some excellent putting this week, hit eight birdies on Saturday -- including a superb long putt at the par-four fifth -- to line up a shot at repeating his 2006 triumph here.

Warren, yet to gain his maiden victory on the tour, had a bogey-free round until the par-four 18th when a poor tee-shot left him with too much work to do.

"Bogeying the last hole leaves a little bit of a sour taste in my mouth," he said.

"But it was getting cold out there and with the wind coming from the left it really was an awkward hole. Other than that, I played solidly."

American Ben Crane and Australian Nick O'Hern are both on eleven under, trailed by six players, including two-times Masters champion Phil Mickelson, at 10 under.

Mickelson's round was slightly spoiled by a bogey at the par-three, 16th hole, where a huge and rowdy crowd of over 20,000 have been surrounding the green.

Mickelson, the favorite of the sand and cacti-clad hole's boisterous, drinking, chanting fans, paid the price for over-shooting his tee shot and falling uncharacteristically short with his chip.