Jason Day and Bae on top in New Jersey

Jason Day and Sang-moon Bae matched each other hole-for-hole as they moved into a share of the lead at The Barclays event in New Jersey.

The duo both carded seven-under-par rounds of 63 during Saturday’s action to move a shot clear of overnight leader Bubba Watson on 11-under par for the tournament at the Plainfield Country Club.

World number three Day’s round included six birdies and an eagle at the 16th, with his only dropped shot coming one hole later when he failed to convert an eight-foot putt for par.

His South Korean playing partner matched the 27-year-old with nine birdies and two bogies as both players finished off their rounds by picking up a shot at the final hole.

Afterwards, Day admitted that his own performance was helped by the form of his playing partner and he is hopeful of enjoying similar success during Sunday’s final round.

He said: “I was just trying to keep pace with him and then got a little hot with the eagle at 16. I think I’ve just got to be patient with myself and I will fight as hard as I can.”

Bae, too, admitted that he had enjoyed playing his round with a world class golfer, as he looks to secure his first victory on the PGA Tour since success at the 2014 Frys.com Open.

He revealed: “Jason is a world-class player; really enjoyed his play.”

Watson could have joined the pair at the top of the leaderboard had he converted his own birdie putt at the last, and the big-hitting American will now start his final round a shot clear of compatriots Ryan Palmer and Zach Johnson, as well as Swede Henrik Stenson.

Tagged Bubba Watson, Jason Day, PGA Tour, Sangmoon Bae, The Barclays