Hot finish gives Herron lead in Milwaukee

CHICAGO, July 22 (Reuters) American Tim Herron birdied three of the last four holes to take a one-stroke lead after the third round of the US Bank Championship in Milwaukee.

While the sport's bigger names were battling it out at the British Open, Herron fired six birdies and one bogey at the Brown Deer Park course for a five-under 65 and a 54-hole total of 12-under 198, yesterday.

Herron, chasing his fifth PGA Tour title, was a stroke clear of South Africa's Tim Clark, who fired a 66, and overnight leader Joe Ogilvie, whose fluctuating 69 included an eagle, two birdies and three bogeys.

Kenny Perry, the 2003 champion, was three strokes off the pace on nine-under 201 after a 67 while another American, Jeff Brehaut, and South Korea's Charlie Wi were in a tie for fifth on eight under.

Clark, seeking his first PGA Tour win after a narrow miss at last week's John Deere Classic, missed a six-footer for birdie on 18 to cost him a share of the lead.

REUTERS BJR VV1356