Jon Pratkanis, 20, of Butler began today's final round with a one-stroke lead in the Pennsylvania Open Golf Championship at Nemacolin Woodlands, Mystic Rock.

Pratkanis began the 72-hole event by carding a 6-under-par 66 during Monday's first round. He followed up with a 1-over-par 73 Tuesday.

Robert Shuey of Mechanicsburg carded a 5-under 67 in the second round to pull within a stroke of Pratkanis.

Pratkanis and Shuey were scheduled to be the final pairing for the tournament at 10:50 a.m.

Three golfers — Kyle Davis of Kennett Square, Conrad Von Borsig of Swarthmore and Nicolas Milito of Jeannette — are two strokes behind. Rob McClellan of Butler is three strokes back.

McClellan shot a 3-under 69 Tuesday to work his way into contention. He was seven strokes behind after the first round.

Shuey, 44, is a teaching professional. Davis is a student at the University of Central Florida, Von Borsig attends the University of Virginia and Milito is an incoming freshman at Indiana (Pa.)University.

Pratkanis is a member of Kittanning Country Club. McClellan is an assistant club pro at Olde Stonewall.

Nine players are at even-par or better. Of the 127-player field, the top 40 made the cut for today's final round.

Pratkanis made an eagle and five birdies during Monday's round. He had two birdies Tuesday.

During his junior golf career, Pratkanis won the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association's Boys Championship and the C.R. Miller Match Play Invitational.

He plans to join the Leadbetter Academy in Orlando, Fla., this fall.

Area golfers failing to make the cut include Joe Boros of Saxonburg, Travis Dickson of Butler, Jake Pleczkowski of Valencia and John Aubrey Sr. of Butler.