Campbell back in contention after record 63

Defending champion Michael Campbell shot a brilliant 63 to stay in touch with Tiger Woods after the third round at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Bangkok.

The New Zealander reeled off 10 birdies at the Alpine Golf and Sports Club to move to 15-under-par with just Sunday’s play remaining.

However, his charge was tempered by the fact that Woods himself shot a fine 65 to lead Campbell – joint second with Australian Rodney Pampling – by three shots on 18-under.

Australian Geoff Ogilvy is on his own on 14-under, with compatriot Wayne Smith and former Open champion Paul Lawrie another stroke back.

Campbell's 63 equalled the lowest round of his career, mirroring his final round in the Volvo Masters two weeks ago when he also started with a bogey. It also beat by one shot the course record set by Sergio Garcia just 24 hours earlier.

"Sergio and I were sitting in the locker room today and saying we needed to break the course record to have any chance of winning the tournament - and he gave me a little smile when I holed that putt on 17," said a delighted Campbell.

"But I think I might have to break it again tomorrow. I believe I'm playing well enough to do it.

"I can't control what Tiger does. He will be doing his best and will be favourite to win the tournament, but that is probably to my advantage.”

Woods began the day with a one-shot lead and was caught twice by Lawrie on the outward nine and then by Campbell midway through the inward half. Each time Woods’ response was fantastic as he raised his game with a birdie on the fifth, an eagle on the seventh from 18 feet, and then four birdies in five holes from the 13th, where his approach spun back to within inches of the hole.

The lead puts him in pole position for an amazing 10th win in 2000, and the first after a rare winless streak of three events.

Lawrie goes into the final day five shots off the lead but could have been closer after two costly bogeys in his 67.

"I played beautifully again but just had two bad holes," the 31-year-old Scot said.

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