Cabrera in position for second Masters title

With a 10-foot birdie putt on No. 18, two-time major champion Angel Cabrera put himself in a position to win a third.

He started the day two shots off the lead but finished Saturday’s third round tied for the top spot after his 3-under 69. The 2009 Masters Tournament champion will be in Sunday’s final group with Brandt Snedeker, who also finished at 7-under.

The putt on 18 ended a day that saw the Argentinian record six birdies and three bogeys. Cabrera said making the final putt was crucial.

“I think it was important, obviously, to make that birdie,” Cabrera said. “And for my confidence it’s good to be in that second or next to last group. It’s more about confidence making that birdie.”

Cabrera, ranked No. 269 in the world, has been dealing with dental surgeries the past few years that have affected his play. Coming back into form, Cabrera won the Open de Argentina in December then tied for 16th at the Shell Houston Open two weeks ago, his best finish in seven PGA Tour events this year.

After winning the U.S. Open in 2007, Cabrera won the Masters in 2009. That experience at Augusta is one he feels will work to his advantage.

“In 2009, I was nervous, anxious,” Cabrera said. “But now I’m very comfortable. I know what I’ve got to do tomorrow to be able to get the win.”

After making the turn in 34, Cabrera rolled a tough left-to-right breaker from 18 feet on No. 10 to take the outright lead at 7-under.

Cabrera then gave two shots back on Nos. 12 and 13. His tee shot on 12 went into the front-side bunker and he had to hit it out sideways. He chipped to within three feet then sank the bogey putt.

On 13, he hit his tee shot right into the pine straw behind a tree, but worked himself into position for a four-foot par putt. He slid it left and faced his first 3-putt of the week, making bogey and dropping to five under.

He rebounded quickly with pars on 14 and 15, then stuck an 8-iron to within three feet on 16, setting himself up for an easy birdie.

Cabrera knows that he will have to play well in his final round to give himself a shot at his second Masters title.

“Tomorrow there’s not a lot of margin for error,” he said. “I’ve just got to play well so I can win the tournament.”