Woods takes dead aim at fifth green jacket

AUGUSTA, Georgia, Apr 9 (Reuters) Tiger Woods liked his chances of slipping into a fifth green jacket after a gritty third round charge at the weather-hit US Masters.

One of the fittest players on the PGA Tour, Woods will not be intimidated by the prospect of playing 27 holes today on a course stretched to an imposing 7,445 yards, making it the second longest in major championship history.

It will be familiar territory for Woods, who last year rallied over 27 holes on Sunday before overhauling Chris DiMarco at the first extra hole to collect his fourth Masters crown.

In fact, the world number one will have a little less work to do after going two-under on the front yesterday to get within three shots of leader Chad Campbell before third round play was suspended due to failing light.

''Last year was last year,'' cautioned Woods. ''Chad is playing great, so we are going to have to play great and make some birdies and keep it going.

''I made a few birdies and I'm going to have to make a few more on the back side.

''In the soft conditions like this you have to make some birdies. The greens are so soft you have to take advantage.

''I know I'm in condition, so that's not going to be a problem.'' After a four-and-a-quarter hour weather delay kept the leaders idling in the clubhouse most of the day, the third round exploded into action late in the afternoon.

The players eagerly took advantage of soft conditions that transformed lightning quick greens into dartboards.

When Woods finally made his appearance on the first tee he immediately pulled his opening shot into the left rough but quickly steadied himself and went about his task of reeling in the leaders.

After grinding out pars on the opening two holes, the 10-times major winner looked ready to mount one of his patented charges on the third after a brilliant chip left him an easy tap-in for birdie.

He continued his gritty effort with tough pars at the next five holes before picking up another shot at the eighth and closing with a par as the horn sounded to end play for the day.

''It's always nice to make a few birdies,'' said Woods. ''I also had a couple of nice par saves that kept the momentum going.'' Woods's determined play is likely to have brought a smile to his father Earl's face.

With Woods senior back home in California battling cancer, Tiger said one of his big motivations this week was to play some good golf, get in contention and on television hoping it might give his father a lift.

Woods will now look to carry that momentum over today, when the action starts at 0745 local (1715 hrs IST) with the completion of the third follow by the final round start at 1430.

''I have nine more holes to pop a good one round and then get something going in the last,'' said Woods.

Reuters OM VP0745