KEY POINTS:
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - South African Rory Sabbatini vaulted to the lead as Tiger Woods struggled to keep pace during the third round at the Wachovia Championship today.
Sabbatini, who finished equal second at last month's US Masters, continued his sizzling form, picking up seven shots in 12 holes in ideal scoring conditions at Quail Hollow.
He improved to 10-under, one stroke ahead of American Arron Oberholser (nine holes), with heavyweights Woods (nine holes) and Phil Mickelson (10 holes) two shots behind.
Sabbatini made a dream start with an eagle at the par-four first where he holed out from 80 yards and he kept his foot on the pedal, adding three more birdies before the turn.
He picked up another birdie at the par-five 10th to tie for the lead, before taking the sole lead with a 10-foot birdie at the par-four 11th.
Woods, meanwhile, did not do much wrong - two birdies and seven pars on the front nine - but that was not enough to preserve his lead in damp, still conditions.
Mickelson moved into contention with an eagle at the par-five fifth where he chipped in from 20 feet and also birdied three of the next four holes.
The start of play was delayed by two hours due to morning thunderstorms, leaving the leaders in danger of not being able to complete their rounds.
- REUTERS
