Panzeri moves 3 clear at ATB Financial Classic

Alberta, Canada – Joe Panzeri carded a 3-under 69 on Thursday to grab a 3-stroke lead entering the final round of the ATB Financial Classic.

Panzeri, who is seeking his second career victory on the PGA Tour Canada, finished three rounds at Country Hills Golf Club's Talons Course at 15-under- par 201.

Defending champion Michael Gligic also shot 69 to move into a share of second place at 12-under. He is joined by second-round co-leader Chris Epperson, who managed an even-par 72 during his third round.

Kyle Stough (66), Lucas Lee (67), Maxwell Scodro (70), Kevin Tucker (70) and Nick Taylor (71) are tied for fourth at minus-11.

Panzeri made the turn at 9-under after recording a birdie at the fifth around eight pars.

The American then opened his inward nine with a birdie at the 10th and added another gain at the 13th to reach 15-under. He closed with five straight pars to record his second straight bogey-free round.

Gligic rolled through his first 11 holes with four birdies and seven pars to reach 13-under before tripping to a bogey at the 12th.

He bounced right back with a birdie at the 13th, but later gave that stroke back with a bogey at the last to finish three strokes off the pace.

Epperson countered five birdies with three bogeys and a double bogey during his up-and-down round to stay in contention entering the final round.

NOTES: Panzeri's only other win on tour came at the 2011 Dakota Dunes Casino Open ... Panzeri has not recorded a bogey since the 18th hole of the first round, his ninth ... This event was initially scheduled for June 20-23, but was postponed due to torrential rains and flooding in the Calgary area.