• Chevron World Challenge, Round Three

Johnson heroics leave Tiger playing catch up

ESPN staff
December 3, 2011
Tiger Woods played the par fives poorly on Saturday © PA Photos
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An incredible finish from Zach Johnson denied Tiger Woods the chance to lead the Chevron World Challenge going into the final day.

Johnson recorded bogeys at 16 and 17 - but holed out for eagle from the fairway at the final hole, snatching the lead away from Woods. Johnson fired a 68 to take him to eight under, while Woods, who had a 73, is one shot back.

At the event last year, Woods had a four-shot lead over Graeme McDowell after three rounds - but failed to close out the victory, and was beaten in a play-off. He faces an even tougher ask this time around as he bids to win the event for a fifth time.

In windy conditions, Woods failed to find any consistency, with three bogeys at par fives sure to be a source of real concern. He had four birdies, but was unable to stop a stream of dropped shots as he struggled to build rhythm and momentum. The former world No. 1 will need to play better on Sunday if he is to win for the first time since the Australian Masters in 2009.

Paul Casey came storming through the field with a 67 that takes him to two under. He caught fire around the turn, playing holes nine to 13 in six under, but was hampered by bogeys at two and 18.

Following two days of underachievement, Martin Laird finally arrived at the tournament with a 66. The Scot had seven birdies in all - yet is only one over, and will rue making such a sluggish start.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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