WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- World number one Dustin Johnson of the United States fired a seven-under par 65 in the third round on Saturday to seize a four-stroke lead at the Augusta Golf Masters.
Johnson's total of 200 propelled him to 16-under par for the tournament and tied American compatriot Jordan Spieth for the best 54-hole course record.
"I put myself in the situation a lot of times. I know what it takes," Johnson said. "I know how I respond in this situation. I'm very comfortable with having the lead going into tomorrow. I'm looking forward to the challenge. It's still going to be a tough day. I'm going to have to play well if I want to get it done."
"I feel like I'm swinging really well. If I can just continue to give myself a lot of looks at birdie, I think I'll have a good day," the 36-year-old added.
South Korea's Im Sung-jae, Australian Cameron Smith and Mexico's Abraham Ancer were all four strokes behind Johnson.
"He's been there before multiple times, and No. 1 in the world," Ancer said. "I think he's right where he wants to be. We have to just make a lot of birdies. If Johnson goes out there and plays really solid like today, it's going to be pretty much impossible to catch him."
After two days of solid play, defending champion Tiger Woods of the United States is now 11 strokes behind Johnson and out of contention after an even par 72 performance in the third round.