General / Editor / 07 April 2007 / Leave a Comment

Stuart Appleby holds a one-shot lead heading into the final day at the Masters at Augusta but Tiger Woods looms one shot adrift.

The Australian had been two shots clear at one-under, and four ahead of the world number one, but carded a triple bogey at the 17th in a round of 73 to fall back to the pack, ending the day two-over-par - the highest leading 54-hole total by two shots in the tournament's history.

Appleby recognised the fact that it had been a tough day for everyone and predicted things will not be getting any easier in the final round.

"Augusta is a tough opponent - and it will be again tomorrow," he said. "We all know what we are in for."

Woods finished the day with two bogeys but he still carded the second best round of the day - a level par 72 - to remain one shot off the pace at +3, alongside England's Justin Rose, who battled to a 75.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington kept himself in contention with a round of 75 to hold a share of fourth place with Americans Zach Johnson and Vaughn Taylor at four over, while Wales' Bradley Dredge is one shot further back.

Despite just making the cut at eight over, Retief Goosen is still in the hunt after carding the day's lowest score, the only one under par, a two-under 70. He is a further shot off the pace at +6 in a group of eight that includes defending champion Phil Mickelson, joint halfway leader Tim Clark and England's Luke Donald.

After a topsy-turvy third day, Woods is now a strong favourite at 1.91 to claim his fifth Green Jacket, having been matched previously at a high of 9.6.

Leader Appleby is available at 7, ahead of Harrington at 12.5 and Justin Rose at 15 while Mickelson is on offer at 28 and Goosen can be backed at 50.