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Michael McCarthy

Matsuyama leads by five at St. Jude Championship

Matsuyama leads by five at St. Jude Championship

Matsuyama Leads by Five at St. Jude Championship

Hideki Matsuyama has opened up a five-shot lead after the third round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The Japanese star shot a 4-under-par round of 66 to move to 16-under for the tournament, five shots clear of his nearest challenger, Cameron Smith.

Matsuyama started the day with a two-shot lead and extended it with birdies on the first and second holes. He dropped a shot on the fourth hole but bounced back with birdies on the seventh and ninth holes to make the turn in 3-under 32.

On the back nine, Matsuyama birdied the 12th and 15th holes to move to 16-under and build a commanding lead. Smith, who shot a 3-under 67, is the only player within five shots of Matsuyama.

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