San Martin (USA), Oct 9: Arjun Atwal had struck a purple patch midway through the third round as he carded a three-under 68 to be tied 38th alongside Tiger Woods at the Frys.com Open golf tournament.

Atwal's card included four birdies, an eagle and three bogeys.

What it also got Atwal was a final round pairing with Woods (68) as the two are together at four-under 209. Woods and Atwal play with Rod Pampling in the final round.

Woods, playing for the first time in seven weeks, was steady for a three-under 68, but he was nine off the leader Briny Baird. Woods, who shot a second straight 68, had five birdies and two bogeys.

Briny Baird shot a seven-under 64 to go to 13-under 200 and become the outright 54-hole leader. It is the first time he is holding the lead in a PGA TOUR event in seven years and has not won in 357 starts in 12 years. Baird was two clear of Ernie Els (67) and Paul Casey (68).

PTI