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Augusta - If Angel Cabrera can turn a share of his third-round lead into a U.S. Masters title, it will go a long way to easing the sting of one of Argentina's most embarrassing sporting mistakes.
Cabrera, who claimed a one-shot victory at the U.S. Open two years ago, made three birdies on the back nine for a three-under 69 on Saturday to join American Kenny Perry at the top of the Masters leaderboard.
No South American has won the Green Jacket, but Roberto De Vicenzo came closest in 1968 only to submit an incorrect scorecard, giving American Bob Goalby a one-shot victory instead of sending the year's first major to a playoff.
"I was not there and I was not able to live that bad moment that Roberto had at that time," Cabrera told reporters through an interpreter. "Now I am playing for myself and trying to make the most of it."
Cabrera recovered from a three-putt bogey at the first hole to battle to a 69 and remain on target to become the first player to post four sub-70 rounds in the tournament.
Playing in his 10th Masters, the stocky Argentine has three top-10 finishes and believes that experience, along with his U.S. Open victory at Oakmont where he fought off Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk, will serve him well going into Sunday's final round.
"What I learned is I can win big tournaments," said Cabrera, recalling his U.S. Open win.
"It's very important to have the experience of having played many, many times before.
"Certainly, it's a very big role, experience, on this course."
After capturing the U.S. Open, Cabrera quit smoking but was not promising any other changes should he win on Sunday.
"I don't have a sports psychologist and I don't smoke," said Cabrera.
"But I try to just enjoy my golf during the round and that's it."
