Tiger closes in on victory at Target World Challenge

THOUSAND OAKS, California, Dec 18 (Reuters) Tournament host Tiger Woods was on track for his 11th title of the year after cruising three shots clear midway through the Target World Challenge final round.

The world number one, who began the day a stroke off the pace, reeled off five birdies and one bogey to reach the turn in four-under 32 at a sun-bathed Sherwood Country Club yesterday.

That left him at 14 under overall, with fellow American Chris DiMarco alone in second place after nine holes and overnight leader Geoff Ogilvy a further shot back in third, also after nine.

Britain's Paul Casey, one under for the day, was alone in fourth at eight under after 10 holes.

Woods, champion here in 2001 and 2004, got off to a fast start for the fourth day in a row.

In crisp, calm conditions, he narrowly missed holing a 10-foot eagle putt at the par-five second and chipped in from just off the green to birdie the par-three third.

Although he briefly stumbled with a bogey at the par-four fourth, where he found a bunker with his approach, he picked up his third shot of the day at the par-five fifth.

MISSED FAIRWAY Despite missing the fairway off the tee at the par-four seventh, the 12-times major winner found the green with his second shot and rolled in a curling 15-footer to get to 13 under for the tournament.

After parring the eighth, he struck a superb approach to within 10 feet of the flag at the par-four ninth to stretch his lead to three.

Woods, whose haul of eight PGA Tour wins this season included major victories at the British Open and PGA Championship, is hunting the 74th professional title of his career.

US Open champion Ogilvy, one stroke clear at the start of the day after firing a best-of-the-day 67 in the third round, failed to maintain his momentum.

He bogeyed the par-five second, after his second shot struck a tree and bounced back into a bunker, and also the ninth after missing the green with his approach.

The Australian's only birdie on the front nine came at the par-four sixth where he holed out from six feet.

REUTERS PDS BST0415