Gay leads by 5 at Mayakoba Classic

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PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Brian Gay birdied five of his last six holes Saturday to shoot an 8-under 62 and take a five-stroke lead after three rounds of the Mayakoba Golf Classic.

Gay matched Fred Funk's 54-hole record from last year with a 15-under 195 through the third round. He is five ahead of second place Steve Marino, who shot a 64 Saturday.

John Merrick, the leader after the first two rounds, had a 69 Saturday that dropped him into a share of third place with Matt Kuchar (64) at 9-under 201. Esteban Toledo turned in a 63 and is in fifth at 202.

Gay will be in search of his first PGA Tour victory Sunday. He held a share of the 54-hole lead at the 2004 Colonial, finished with a 77 in the final round and tied for 14th.

"I've never had a five-shot lead, so I don't know," Gay said.