Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. ? On a day of scintillating shots and shocking collapses, Carl Paulson played a steady hand Saturday in The Players Championship and positioned himself for the biggest surprise of all.

Untested and relatively unknown, the 31-year-old Paulson posted a 3-under 69 for the third straight day to build a one-stroke lead over Craig Perks going into the final round of one of toughest and most exciting tests in golf.

Paulson was at 9-under 207 and will try to become the first player in the 28-year history of The Players Championship to earn his first victory at an event widely regarded as the fifth major.

But it is far from over.

Thirteen players were within six shots of the lead, including defending champion Tiger Woods, PGA champion David Toms, Mike Weir, Sergio Garcia and resurgent six-time major winner Nick Faldo.

If the names aren’t frightening enough, the Stadium Course is intimidating.

“If you lose your focus at any point, you’re going to make a big number,” said Weir, who had a 68 and was at 211.

Phil Mickelson took five putts from 18 feet on the 10th hole to drop out of contention, and added a three-putt from 15 feet on the 17th.

Craig Stadler shot up the board with three birdies and a hole-in-one on the back nine. But he hit into the trees, the bunker and the water and played the final three holes in 6 over par.