Scott surges three strokes clear in Texas

By Art Stricklin

IRVING, Texas (Reuters) - Australia's Adam Scott extended his lead at the Byron Nelson Championship to three shots on Saturday to stand on the verge of a first PGA Tour victory in more than a year.

The world number 10 began the third round with a one-shot cushion and was able to stretch his advantage by a further two strokes after firing a three-under par 67, moving to eight under for the tournament.

The Australian capitalized on two sublime chip shots to birdie the par-five 16th and par-four closing hole as he ended his round with a flourish.

"I feel like I'm a world class player out there but there are a host of world class players just behind me," Scott told reporters.

"I don't expect the rest of those guys to lay down for me.

"I'm usually a good player playing from the front but I've let it slip was well. I think I've got something to prove tomorrow."

A quartet of Americans -- Bart Bryant, Kevin Sutherland, Charley Hoffman and Ryan Moore -- are Scott's closest pursuers on five-under 205 for the tournament.

Sergio Garcia (65) tied the lowest round of the week at the TPC Las Colinas Course, which has been totally renovated since last year's tournament, to put himself in contention for a second victory at the event after his triumph in 2004.