WASHINGTON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- American Chris Couch fired an 8-under-par 64 Saturday a day after just making the cut to take the lead after three rounds at Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

    Couch, 32, reeled off nine birdies at a blustery English Turn Golf & Country Club before dropping his only shot at the par-four last, finishing at 12-under 204.

    Compatriot Charles Howell III was alone in second place, after carding at a seven-birdie 66, with fellow Americans Dean Wilson (66) and Cameron Beckman (67) a further stroke back at 10 under.

    U.S. Masters champion Phil Mickelson, seven off the pace overnight, climbed up the leaderboard with a five-birdie 68 to share fifth place at nine under with Paraguay's Carlos Franco (68)and American Tim Herron (69). Enditem