New Zealand's Michael Campbell was handily placed, even at five shots off the lead, but Tiger Woods was menacingly poised in the third round of the HSBC Champions tournament at the Shenshen course in Shanghai.
England's David Howell, starting this season in the same vein as he finished last season,
was leading the way with a 68 to follow his 65 and 67 in the first two rounds to lead by a stroke at 16-under par.
Howell will be hard to beat in today's final round but Woods, controlled after a temper tantrum in the second round, carded the joint best round of the day (67) to be breathing down the neck of the Englishman, who will have to play the final 18 holes with all the attendant pressure of accompanying the big-hitting, intense Woods.
Campbell did his chances no harm with a third round 69 to go with 66 and 70 in the previous rounds but, at 11-under par and tied for fifth, is still five strokes off the lead and will need a birdie-plentiful round today.
Australian Nick O'Hern maintained his consistent form to add a third consecutive 67 to the two previously carded and he will also contend at 15 under. He is playing some superb irons and putting consistently and could surprise.
However, talking of surprises, Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant is fourth, on 12 under, and Denmark's Thomas Bjorn is on 11-under with Campbell and Englishman Nick Dougherty.
Vijay Singh shot a two-under par 70 to be on 10 under but would need a blazing round today to win.
Also falling out of contention was England's Paul Casey. After a poor season last year, the highly-talented Casey was shaping well in the first two rounds but blew out to a one-over par 73 on the back nine and is eight shots off the pace.
New Zealand's other representative - Richard Lee - was also handily placed after two rounds but carded a 78 yesterday and finished the day tied for 61st.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
