Woods stays on course for 50th title

GRAND BLANC, Michigan, Aug 6 (Reuters) Tiger Woods birdied two of his final three holes to grab a two-shot lead in the Buick Open third round and move within sight of his 50th career title.

The world number one, fresh from his British Open triumph, got his round off to a dubious start with a bogey at the second but was flawless the rest of way, hitting seven birdies to post a six-under 66 for the third consecutive day and leading total of 18-under 198.

Lurking just two shot back were Americans Lucas Glover and Scott Verplank and Australia's Robert Allenby, who all returned 66s under ideal scoring conditions at the Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club to get to 16-under 200.

Two-times defending champion Vijay Singh moved into contention for an unprecedented third consecutive and fourth Buick title with four-under 68 to headline a group of five players sitting just three off the lead.

Joining the Fijian at 15-under 201 were Canadians Mike Weir (68) and Stephen Ames (66) and Americans Joe Durant (67) and Vaughn Taylor, who shot a best-of-the-day 63 to rocket up the leaderboard.

REUTERS DH KP0521