Troy Matteson takes over lead - FUNAI Classic at Walt Disney 2006

Red-hot Troy Matteson birdied his final two holes on Saturday to grab a one-shot lead going into the final round of the Disney Classic and remain on track to for back-to-back wins.

Matteson, a Tour rookie who recorded his first career PGA victory at last week's Las Vegas Open, brought his sizzling form to Lake Buena Vista, mixing eight birdies with a single bogey for his second straight seven-under 65 to get to 19-under 197.

Lurking one stroke back was fellow American Joe Durant, who surged into contention with an eight-under 64, highlighted by a spectacular front nine on the Magnolia course including five birdies and an eagle.

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Justin Rose began third round play with a four-shot cushion, watched his lead evaporate with a shaky level-par 72.

The Briton, however, remained in contention for his maiden PGA Tour win, sitting just two shots back at 17-under 199.

Rose, who fired a record 12-under 60 at the Palm course on Thursday, struggled through a front nine that produced two bogeys but the Englishman hit back with three birdies after the turn to get his round pointed in the right direction before dropping a shot at the 17th.

"The way the last two holes panned out, it's a little disappointing," Rose told reporters. "Obviously I was back right in the hunt, and Troy had a great finish. I just slipped up a little.

"It wasn't great today at all. I just wasn't quite on the boil and didn't create that many birdie chances. "It was a day where I had to be really patient, hang in there, especially being two over through nine.

"I didn't feel as comfortable today. It was a day to grind it out. I'm two back. I have a chance to go low tomorrow and put some pressure on the guys."

Davis Love III, who is also seeking back-to-back wins after collecting his first victory in three years in his last start at the Greensboro Open, raced into contention with an eight-under 64.

Love began the day a massive nine strokes behind Rose but was quickly on the move, hitting three straight birdies from the second and three more from the 15th to join fellow American Charles Howell III on 16-under 200.

The last seven days have witnessed a dramatic turnaround in fortunes for Matteson, who arrived in Las Vegas sitting 143rd on the money list battling to work his way into the top 125 and secure his playing privileges for next season.

Another win on Sunday would not only add $828,000 to Matteson's bank account and push his season earnings over the $2 million mark but send him into next week fighting for a place among the top 30 and an invitation to the season-ending Tour Championships.

Two wins would also make him a leading contender PGA Tour rookie of the year honours and earn him a chance at qualifying for the U.S. Masters.

"It's been good to see my game turn around," said Matteson, the leading money winner on the Nationwide Tour last season. "To win out here once is pretty difficult. To do it two or three or four times, it's extremely difficult."