Americans Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland are tied for the lead going into the final round of The Barclays in New Jersey. Woodland outshone his compatriot with a three-under 68 to be 12 under for the tournament with Kuchar managing a round of one under to cling on to a share of the lead in the opening event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. With four consecutive birdies from holes six to nine, Woodland put himself into a strong position before a mixed back nine, including three bogeys, meant he was unable to secure the outright lead. Kuchar started his round poorly with two bogeys on the front nine, before three birdies on the way in ensured he would start the final round in the last group with Woodland. The leading duo were overshadowed by an extraordinary performance by Kevin Chappell, whose course-record 64 catapulted him into outright third on 11 under. The American&aposs round was bogey free with nine birdies as he jumped into tournament-winning contention. Tiger Woods lurks in a tie for fourth with England&aposs David Lynn on eight under, with three early bogeys marring the world No.1&aposs two-under 69. Seven players are tied for sixth on seven under including Kevin Streelman, Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, Jim Furyk, Bubba Watson, Jonas Blixt and Rickie Fowler. Several Australians remain just off the pace with Aaron Baddeley, Adam Scott (both six under) and Greg Chalmers (five under) in with a chance on the final day. Baddeley carded a five-under 66 including an eagle on the 13th hole and six birdies while Scott was well positioned at seven under to start the day, but his round of one over has made things difficult. Jason Day (three under), Matt Jones (two under), Stuart Appleby (one under) and John Senden (even) will be hoping to finish the tournament strongly. There was a nightmare round of 77 for Geoff Ogilvy (five over) while Marc Leishman (four over) also struggled with his score of 75.
Author: Omnisport