Argentina’s Angel Cabrera, who has a large-sized appetite for food and life, stands poised to take a bite out of a 2009 Masters Tournament following a third round 69 which left him tied for the lead with Kenny Perry.

The 2007 U.S. Open Champion was one-shot out of the lead held by Perry and Chad Campbell when Saturday’s third round started, but stalked his way to the top of the leaderboard with steady play.

While he came from behind to win his ’07 Open title at Oakmont Golf Club, Cabrera was tied for the lead going to the final day. He said the lessons learned from his first major title still will apply Sunday.

“What I learned is that I can win big tournaments,” Cabrera said.

He’s put those lessons to good use at Augusta National this week with two rounds of 68.

On Saturday, under good scoring conditions, Cabrera overcame an opening hole bogey with birdies on holes three and eight for a 35 on the first nine. He had a bogey on the par 4 14th hole, but came back with birdies on 15 and 17.

“I’m lucky enough to be in a very good position,” he said of his play so far. “I haven’t been in this position before, so I’m going to try to make the most of this.”

Cabrera, who grew up as a caddy, has never led a professional tournament in America heading into the fourth round. He came from a 54-hole tie for seventh place to win his Open title.

But he said he will enter final round here with a lot of momentum.

“The difference between now and the U.S. Open was this third round was much better than the one I played in the U.S. Open,” he said.

Typically, Cabrera is embracing the week in his own unique style.

He rented a nearby house and has spent much of his time outside or practicing and playing at Augusta National.

Cabrera has been cooking his own spaghetti sauce and talking with friends from Argentina.

“Just cook and have dinner and I don’t have any trouble sleeping,” he said.

Before the fourth round of the Masters, Cabrera said experience an important factor. He has played in nine previous Masters and has four top 15 performances.

One other Argentine, Roberto DiVicenzo, has also challenged for a Green Jack. That came in 1968 but DiVicenzo finished second to Bob Goalby after signing for a higher score than he actually made. DiVicenzo wrote a four on his scorecard at No. 17 instead of a three and that stood.