Adam Scott started Saturday seven shots clear at the Arnold Palmer Invitational but ended it three ahead of Keegan Bradley.

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Story highlights

Australian retains lead with one-under par 71 with one round remaining

Keegan Bradley fires 66 to close gap with Scott to three shots

America's Matt Every and Jason Kokrak four off pace at Bay Hill

CNN  — 

Adam Scott’s lead may have more than halved but the Australian remains in control heading into Sunday’s final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida.

The world No. 2 had started the day seven clear, but ended it just three ahead as his sensational form of the first two days slowed.

Scott backed up an opening round 10-under par 62 with a 68 on Friday, but could only manage a one-under par round 71 on Saturday at the Bay Hill course to finish 15-under par after 54 holes.

“Today was a bit of a fight. Hopefully it’s my high round,” Scott said. “I’m feeling pretty good. I’d like to play a really nice tidy round tomorrow.”

Whereas Scott’s scoring is on the rise, America’s Keegan Bradley is heading in the other direction.

A opening round 71 was followed by 67 on Friday with the 2011 U.S.PGA champion going one better in the third round.

Bradley birdied the final three holes to finish with a six-under par 66 and move to within striking distance of Scott at 12-under par.

The pair will play in the final group tomorrow – a prospect Scott is relishing.

“It’s going to be a great day. I’m really excited about it. This is kind of how I’ve worked this year – to get myself in this kind of position and have a crack at a tournament,” Scott said.

“Obviously, he’s playing great and feeling good. I bet he’s hungry for a win. Everyone out here is, so it’s going to be a challenge and hopefully I’ll bring some game.”

Four shots further are America’s Matt Every, who also shot 66, and Jason Kokrak (67) – both men will be looking to snare a first PGA Tour victory in the final round.

Chesson Hadley, who started the day at seven-under par, had threatened to finish even closer to Scott after reaching 11-under with seven holes to play.

But the 26-year-old, who won the Puerto Rico Open earlier this month, couldn’t kick on and eventually carded a 69 to leave him tied for fifth at 10 under with Italy’s Francesco Molinari.

England’s Ian Poulter is seventh on eight under par after also posting a 69 on Saturday.

Patrick Reed, who became the youngest winner of a World Golf Championship at Doral’s Blue Monster course two weeks ago, will almost certainly not challenge for honors this weekend.

The 23-year-old fired a third round 70 and will start Sunday’s final round 11 shots off the pace.

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