Overnight co-leader Rickie Fowler took a one-stroke third-round lead at the Zozo Championship with a 4-under-par 66 on Saturday at Chiba Prefecture's Narashino Country Club.
Fowler, whose maternal grandfather is Japanese, seized the lead with an 18th-hole birdie, his fifth of the round against one bogey to sit at 14-under 196 for the tournament.
American compatriots Keegan Bradley and Andrew Putnam remained within striking distance ahead of Sunday's final round.
Bradley stayed one stroke back, while Putnam lost his share of the lead with a 2-under 68.
Japan's Keita Nakajima, making his pro debut on the U.S.-based PGA Tour, dropped from fifth place to a tie for 14th with a 1-under 69 on a day of low scores. Compatriot Ryo Hisatsune carded a 65 to move up to 9-under in a tie for eighth.
Reigning champion Hideki Matsuyama is in a tie for 31st after a 4-under third round left him at 4-under for the tourney.