Padraig Harrington could only sit back and watch at the Target World Challenge yesterday as Davis Love III carded a nine-under-par 63 to take a three-shot lead into the final round at Sherwood Country Club in California.
Love played in a pairing with tournament host Tiger Woods, who shot a 72 to tie for sixth place in the 16-player field.
Korea's KJ Choi did his best to keep pace with Love, shooting a 65 to reach seven-under 208 and move clear of third-placed Harrington, the defending champion. The Dubliner was the second-round leader, but dropped back on Saturday after a 70 left him on 211, a stroke better than Mike Weir of Canada and two better than Justin Leonard.
After winning his fifth straight PGA Tour Player of the Year earlier this week, Woods shared sixth with Chris DiMarco and Fred Couples at 214. Australia's Robert Allenby was alone in ninth at 215, with Vijay Singh of Fiji, who topped the Money List ahead of Woods this year, one further back after a third-round 73.
US PGA champion Shaun Micheel and Zimbabwe's Nick Price were tied for 11th at 217. Kenny Perry and Jay Haas ended the third round 18 shots back at 223, a stroke in front of Open winner Ben Curtis and Dungannon's Darren Clarke, who shot a 70 to continue his improvement after opening with a nine-over par 81.