Dufner ends three rounds with N.O. lead

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AVONDALE, La., April 28 (UPI) -- Jason Dufner's 5-under-par 67 Saturday was good enough for a two-stroke lead after three rounds of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Dufner, seeking his first PGA Tour victory, finished the day at 17-under 199 -- two shots clear of Canadian Graham DeLaet.

Dufner will need to overcome some history to claim the win, however -- he was ahead by a stroke after 36 holes at the Masters this month but ballooned to 150 over the following two days to fall out of contention.

DeLaet carded a 6-under 66 Saturday, finishing at 15-under 201 at TPC Louisiana.

Knotted in third place at minus-14 were Ernie Els (68) and John Rollins (69).

Ryan Palmer matched the course record with an 8-under 64, sharing fifth place with Steve Stricker (69) and Cameron Tringale (68) at 13-under.