The 27-year-old from Tennessee overcame a slow start to work his way to within four strokes of leader Prayad Marksaeng after the third round at Phoenix Country Club.

Two late birdies were a step in the right direction, but Snedeker acknowledged he would have to produce something special tomorrow to salvage his first victory of the year.

"I got off to a rough start (with a double bogey at the second hole) but I hung in there and hit a lot of quality shots the last six or seven holes," he said. "I haven't hit too many that solid in a while.

"I'm going out tomorrow to win. It would make for a lot of second half (of the year) hardships but I'll need a little help from the guys in the lead."

Snedeker was equal third with 17-year-old Japanese superstar Ryo Ishikawa and another Japanese player, Masaya Tomida, but 42-year-old Marksaeng is the man to catch.

Marksaeng finished with a two-foot birdie at the last to shoot 67 for an eight-under 205 total, two strokes clear of Japan's Tomohiro Kondo, the halfway leader.

Marksaeng is no fluke leader. He is having a great year, fifth on the Japan Tour money list with two victories to his credit.

But the Thai's position atop the field presented a little problem in that he speaks little English and even less Japanese, which made his post-round interview challenging.

"Today, everything very, very good," he said in English. Asked whether he was confident of winning, he continued: "Maybe; I will just do my best."

The highlight of his round was a 65-foot birdie at the par-four eighth, his other four birdies all coming from fairly close range.

While Marksaeng, in the final threesome, played in front of a couple of hundred spectators, thousands followed Ishikawa, who has quickly taken on Tiger-like status in his homeland since turning professional last year.

Ishikawa didn't disappoint either, overcoming three bogeys in a four-hole stretch shortly before the turn by roaring back and negotiating the back nine in three-under.

He will play the final round with Snedeker, who is looking forward to a close-up view of the boy who, the Japanese believe, is destined for greatness.

Meanwhile, defending champion Ian Poulter refused to concede defeat after shooting the day's best score, a 66, to move within seven strokes of the lead.

"I've got a chance tomorrow," he said. "The same score (as today) puts me on six-under."