SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — After erasing a four-stroke deficit in five holes, Kenny Perry wanted to be alone atop the FBR Open leaderboard.

All it took was a 33-foot putt on the 18th hole yesterday. When the putt dropped into the cup, it brought a roar from the massive TPC Scottsdale gallery and gave Perry a one-stroke lead over rookie Scott Piercy through three rounds.

"Good time to make one," said Perry, who shot a 5-under 66 for a 54-hole total of 12-under 201.

Despite stumbling down the stretch, Piercy thought he had a one-stroke lead when he reached the clubhouse.

"They've still got to catch me right now," Piercy said after his 66.

Perry already had.

Perry erased a four-stroke deficit between the 13th and 17th holes. He birdied the 17th to catch Piercy and birdied the 18th to surge past him.

"Supper's going to taste good tonight," Perry said. "Great day."

Kevin Na (66), Brian Gay (67) and Charley Hoffman (69) were tied for third, two strokes off the lead.

Hawai'i's Parker McLachlin, a Punahou alum, shot a 69 and was in a 10-way tie for 23rd at 208. Castle High grad Dean Wilson struggled to a 76 for 218.

DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC

TEEN MCILROY LEADING WEATHER-DELAYED EVENT

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Northern Ireland teenager Rory McIlroy maintained his lead in the weather-affected Dubai Desert Classic after the third round was suspended because of darkness yesterday.

McIlroy had an eagle and got to 15-under 169 after 10 holes for a two-shot lead over Louis Oosthuizen, who was in his group, and Richard Green of Australia, who played 11 holes.

Thomas Levet of France, one of 17 players to complete the third round, was the clubhouse leader with a 10-under 206 following a 66.

The remaining 51 players will return to the course to finish the third round this morning.