Verplank, Perry tied for lead

KAPALUA, Hawaii -- Scott Verplank eagled the final hole to catch Kenny Perry after three rounds of the Mercedes Championships, the season-opening tournament that is looking more like a tuneup for the British Open.

In gusts up to 40 mph, so strong that tournament officials moved up four tees once the third round started, Verpank still managed a 3-under-par 70 and was at 206. Perry three-putted the 18th for a 71 and was also at 13 under.

Chris DiMarco had a 5-under 68, despite a double bogey on the par-5 fifth that summed up the tough conditions. His 8-foot par putt stopped a foot from the hole, and as he got ready to tap it in, the wind carried it 7 feet by.

DiMarco was at 207, tied with PGA champion David Toms (72).

Sergio Garcia also had a 68 and was at 210, along with David Duval (72).