World number one Tiger Woods will take a seven-shot lead into the final day of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational after a two-under third round 68. The American, who equalled his own course record with a sizzling nine-under 61 on Friday, mixed five birdies and three bogeys on moving day at Firestone Country Club. Woods burst out of the blocks with consecutive birdies on the opening two holes of Saturday but produced his first blemish of the round at the par-four ninth to make the turn in one-under 34. The veteran bounced back with birdies at the 10th and 13th holes but stumbled with bogeys at the 14th and 16th en route to a 68. Sweden&aposs Henrik Stenson leads the chasing pack in Akron, Ohio, at eight under overall after a three-under 67, one clear of American Jason Dufner, who also signed for a 67. Englishmen Luke Donald (68) and Chris Wood (70) are a further shot back alongside American Bill Haas (69) in a share of fourth. Spanish veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez fired the low round of the day, a five-under 65, to get to five under for the championship alongside Keegan Bradley (71). Masters champion Adam Scott of Australia moved into a share of ninth position after firing a four-under 66, alongside Zach Johnson (68) of the USA. Scott, the best peforming Australian, sunk five birdies and was on track for a bogey-free round, but slipped up at the 18th to close the day on three under overall. British Open champion Phil Mickelson (72) and former world number one Rory McIlroy (69) are among a cluster of players 13 shots back at two-under par for the tournament. Meanwhile, Australian Jason Day climbed into a tie for 57th spot at eight under following his round of 72. Compatriot Brett Rumford (72) was in sole possession of 70th spot on 12 under, while Daniel Popovic (76) was 10 shots further back.
Author: Omnisport