BETHESDA, Maryland (AFP) - Tom Pernice, who has not won on the PGA Tour in seven years, shot a one-under 69 to seize a one-stroke lead over fellow American Steve Stricker at the six million dollar ATT National.

The 48-year-old Pernice entered Saturday's third round tied with Jeff Overton after shooting an explosive 63 on Friday. He moved to a 10-under 200 total at the Congressional Country Club course.

Pernice bogeyed the 518-yard, par-four sixth hole but rebounded with a birdie on number eight to sit at even-par before the turn.

Pernice's last win on the PGA Tour was The International in 2001. He had just two top 10 finishes in 2007.

Despite his lack of production in recent years he knows what he has to do Sunday to seal the deal.

"I've got to go out there and perform better and shoot a good score to win a golf tournament," he said. "I can't worry about anything else. It's just a matter of me being able to control my emotions and go out there and be able to execute and do what I need to do."

The 48-year-old was even until a birdie on No. 17 to remain in the hunt for his third career title.

Stricker came out with plenty of spark, playing his first eight holes at three-under before a bogey on number nine. He added three more birdies on the back nine - at Nos. 10, 13 and 15 - before finishing with another bogey at No. 17 to card a four-under 66 Saturday.

"You know, I think the course is playing a touch easier than last year, and I think that's reflective in the scores," Stricker said. "You know, there's a lot more guys with the opportunity to win I think. I don't know how we stacked up last year at all."

Americans Overton, Tommy Armour and Australian Nick O'Hern are tied for third at eight-under 202.

"I shot 66. I hit the ball well," Armour said. "I made some putts. That's what you've got to do on this course. It's a good test of golf and I hit a lot of good shots. I played good and putted good."

Overton shot a one-over Saturday. He was one-under through the front nine, but struggled after the turn with bogeys at Nos. 10 and 14 before a double-bogey on the par-four 15th.

Overton did close strong with birdies on two of the final three holes.

It has been a trying year for Overton, who has missed the cut in six of his last seven events and 10 of 18 tournaments overall.

Americans Tim Herron, Anthony Kim and Cliff Kresge are in a three-way tie for sixth at seven-under.

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