HONOLULU (January 16, 1999) It's old hat for Davis Love III, but to Tommy Tolles, Sunday's final round of the inaugural Sony Open will be a rare experience.

Tolles, still looking for his first victory after six years on the PGA Tour, shot a 3-under-par 67 today to reach the final round in the lead at 202, 8-under after three rounds.

A stroke behind after a bogey-free 7-under 63 is Love, winner of 13 PGA Tour titles, including a major.

"Davis has a lot of experience," Tolles said. "He is not going to cut any slack. I have more at stake. I'm trying to get over the hump and win my first tournament.

"It's been two-plus years to get back to the last group again. I remember you have to be patient and can't ever quit; grind harder."

Love, meanwhile, gave more than an indication that his game is coming around.

He had no bogeys, making key shots during his "scramble" round.

"It was an interesting round. I made a lot of birdies, but I also missed a lot of greens," he said. "I had to make up-and-downs for pars. It was a scramble, but I also got a lot of birdies at the same time. That's the way it's been so far this year. My inconsistency has been more dominant.

"But it's a whole new ball game. I'll have to hit the ball in the fairway and position myself."

John Huston, who won the Hawaiian Open a year ago with a PGA Tour record 28-under-par 260, and Mark O'Meara both birdied the 551-yard 18th hole at the Waialae Country Club to finish two strokes behind Tolles.

Jeff Sluman and Jeff Maggert, each with 66s, were at 205 along with Nolan Henke, Esteban Toledo, Mike Hulbert and Len Mattiace. Another stroke behind were Chris Riley and Larry Mize.

Brandel Chamblee, who led at the halfway mark, shot a 4-over 74 and fell back to 208.

Tolles continued an up-and-down performance. After shooting an opening-round 63, he struggled to a 72 on Friday before regaining his touch in the third round.

"I putted more like I did the first round," Tolles said. "My problem is still getting the ball in the fairway.

"I'm surprised I'm scoring as well as I am, but I'm not surprised with my inconsistency. But, being mentally fresh, I'm not getting down on myself."

With Love already in the clubhouse at 7-under, Tolles was at 8-under at the turn with Huston and O'Meara at 6-under.

But none could muster a rally on the trip in, playing the final nine holes in even par.