Tiger Woods moved ominously into a share of the lead after a third round of 66 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Woods into a share of lead as O'Hair blitzes Bay Hill course
Tiger Woods moved ominously into a share of the lead after a third round of 66 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
The world number one is one five players on -6 with fellow Americans Sean O'Hair, Bubba Watson and Bart Bryant and overnight leader Vijay Singh joining him at the top of the leaderboard.
It was O'Hair, winner of last week's PODS Championship, who produced the round of the day at the Bay Hill Golf Club, a sparkling 63 that included five birdies and an eagle.
Watson and Bryant both carded 68s, but it was a disappointing day for Singh who, having started Saturday two shots clear of the field, could manage only a three-over-par 73 to see his advantage evaporate.
Hunter Mahan is just one shot off the pace after a splendid 65, while Lee Westwood still harbours realistic hopes of victory despite a 72 that leaves him tied on -4 with American quartet Nick Watney, Tom Lehman, Cliff Kresge and Ken Duke.
Having picked up shots at the third and sixth, a magical five hole spell immediately after the turn saw O'Hair go birdie-par-eagle-birdie-birdie to blitz his way through the field.
However, despite the 25-year-old's heroics, Woods will again be the man to beat on Sunday as he goes in search of a ninth win in his last ten outings.
The 32-year-old was some seven shots back of Singh at the start of play and admitted he was delighted to have wiped out the deficit ahead of the final round.
"I was on the periphery there (but) now I'm right back in the mix," he stated afterwards.
A blistering start handed Woods some early momentum as he produced three birdies in his opening four holes.
A dropped shot at eight interrupted his progress, but three more birdies on the way home ensured he is right where he would have wanted to be ahead of Sunday's climax.
Singh battled back bravely from a nightmare stretch on the front nine in which he squandered five shots in four holes and birdies on nine and ten mean he retains a strong chance of defending his crown.
Londoner Brian Davis improved his position with a 68 which lifted him to three under for the tournament.
