Woods is closing in on a 62nd PGA Tour title

THIRD ROUND LEADERBOARD
(US unless stated):
-18 T Woods
-10 S Cink
-9 J Durant
Selected others:
-5 P Mickelson, K Ferrie (Eng)
-4 C Pettersson (Swe)
-1 V Singh (Fij)

Tiger Woods fired a third-round 66 to take an eight-shot stranglehold on the Buick Invitational going into the final day at Torrey Pines near San Diego.

The world number one, playing his first event of 2008, leads from Ryder Cup team-mate Stewart Cink, with another American Joe Durant one further back.

Phil Mickelson is 13 shots adrift of Woods on five under.

England's Kenneth Ferrie is the highest placed European on five under with Swede Carl Pettersson four under.

Woods, bidding for a fourth straight win in the event and sixth overall, resumed four strokes ahead and extended his lead with two birdies going out and four more on the way home.

It was his largest 54-hole lead since he led by 10 on his way to a 15-shot victory in the 2000 US Open at Pebble Beach, an ominous sign with Torrey Pines hosting the US Open this summer.

"Today was all about playing your own game, put a number in your head and go and get it," said Woods.

We're trying but the guy is unbelievable Joe Durant

But heavy rain and strong winds are forecast for Sunday and Woods admitted: "If it was over, they'd be handing out the trophy. Conditions will be tough. You've just got to plod along and be steady. Just don't make any bogeys."

Four-time PGA Tour winner Durant acknowledged the rest of the field were playing second fiddle this week.

"What can you say? He plays great here," said Durant. "The course obviously sets up great for him.

"We're trying but the guy is unbelievable. He's playing fantastic. Nothing else can be said."

Three-time champion Mickelson rocketed up the leaderboard with a front nine of 30 but ran up three three-putt bogeys after the turn for a 68.

"Overall, today felt good," said Mickelson, who has suffered from a respiratory problem since October.

"I hit a lot of great shots and I drove the ball well. After tomorrow's final round I will look back and assess where I am with my game.

"I'm a week behind in my schedule after spending several days in bed."

Kevin Streelman, the 29-year-old rookie who last alternate to get into the event, was playing alongside Woods in the final group after opening rounds of 67, 69.