UPDATE 1-Golf-Howell III takes shot lead over Perry in Atlanta

(Updates at close of play)

ATLANTA, May 17 (Reuters) - Charles Howell III took a one shot advantage over Kenny Perry in the Atlanta Classic on Saturday with five other players within three shots of the lead.

Howell fired a five under 67 to take him to 13 under overall while Perry, who has been top or close throughout the tournament, made a great start with a birdie on the third and an eagle on the par-five fourth before two bogeys and two birdies.

"That was a good round -- I played two loose shots, bad shots with the seven iron on nine and 16 and bogeyed them but I felt good," said Perry after a round of 69.

Perry was one shot off the lead going into the final round at the Players last week but blew his chances with a poor round of 81.

Howell was bogey-free throughout Saturday and hasn't gone over par since the fifth hole on his second round.

"I've been working hard on my game and it is improving," said Howell.

"A lot of birdies can be made on this course if you play aggressively, I've just got to keep going," he added.

Jonathan Byrd - the overnight leader who had been supremely consistent with two rounds of 66, lost his way with three bogeys early on Saturday but recovered with birdies on the 10th and final hole to get himself as one of three players on 11 under along with David Toms and Ryan Palmer.

Japan's Ryuji Imada, runner-up here last year after losing a play-off to Zach Johnson, was ten under along with Heath Slocum. (Reporting by Simon Evans in Miami; editing by Justin Palmer)