Couples keeps Houston Open lead

Calcavecchia one stroke back entering final round

? Fred Couples birdied five of the last seven holes Saturday for a 5-under 67 and a one-stroke lead over Mark Calcavecchia after three rounds of the Houston Open.

The 43-year-old Couples, bidding for his first win in five years, rolled in an 8-foot birdie putt on the par-4 18th hole to get to 16-under 200 after 54 holes. He has led or shared the lead after all three days.

Calcavecchia, tied with Couples heading into play Saturday, shot a 68 with five birdies and a single bogey to get to 15 under.

Australia’s Stuart Appleby, with a third-round 66, was another shot back, followed by South African Trevor Immelman. Jay Haas was in a group of four at 204, four shots behind, and John Daly and defending champion Vijay Singh were among six at 205.