Woods still leads, Scott in striking distance
British Open 2006 - Round Three
Tiger Woods still leads by one shot but a host of challengers are circling following an intriguing third
round at the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, Hoylake.
Many observers expected Woods to pull away on ‘moving day’ at golf’s majors, but instead, he struggled with
his putter and could only manage a one-under 71 for a three-round total of 13-under-par 203.
However, he still maintains a one-stroke advantage over Saturday’s big improver, Spaniard Sergio Garcia,
who moved into tournament calculations with a sparkling 65, highlighted by a sensational eagle two at the
par-four second hole. Garcia picked up another five birdies in his outward 29, before settling for a
12-under-par total 204 and will now partner Woods in the last pairing on Sunday, in a re-match of the famous
final round shootout at the 1999 US PGA.
American Chris DiMarco (69) and Ernie Els (71) share equal second place with Garcia at 12-under, while
Argentinian Angel Cabrera and American Jim Furyk are a further shot back at 11-under-par 205.
Australian world number six Adam Scott also remains within striking distance of a maiden major title after
he carded a two-under 70 to hold eighth position at nine-under-par 207, four strokes behind the leader.
Fellow Aussies Peter Lonard (68) and Robert Allenby (69) are at eight-under-par, while Melbournian Geoff
Ogilvy, a surprise winner of last month’s US Open at Winged Foot, finds himself seven shots off the pace at
six-under-par 210 following a third round 70.
But the man they’ll all have to catch is Woods, who failed to extend his overnight lead, three putting
three times on the back nine as he recorded four bogeys in an up-and-down performance, played in difficult
afternoon conditions.
However, the world number one still managed to birdie the par-five 18th to take a small buffer into the
final round; a statistic which takes on greater significance when you examine his record when leading or tied
for the lead with 18 holes to play.
The amazing Woods has 34 of 37 tournaments from that position over his career and with his 11th major
championship in his sights, only a brave man would tip against him securing victory on Sunday.
Related Article:
Woods, Els shootout looms while Scott well placed (Sat Jul 22)
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