John Daly takes narrow advantage

American John Daly fired a three-under-par 67 to snatch a one-shot lead over Briton Colin Montgomerie after the third round of the WGC-American Express Championship on Saturday.

The big-hitting Daly dropped three strokes in his first three holes but recovered in style with four birdies and an eagle to finish on nine-under 201 on a windy day at the Harding Park golf course.

"It was a rough start," Daly said. "I think you play well, get confidence and you feed off of it.

"I wasn't that upset with the start. I was a little frustrated because I was three-over. But I really didn't miss a shot except the drive on one.

"It's a lot of fun, but it's very stressful. I mean, it's great to be in this position, but it's not the easiest thing to do.

"I don't know how Tiger (Woods) does it every week."

Montgomerie, the leader after the first and second rounds, mixed two birdies with a bogey on his outward nine before finishing with 10 consecutive pars to return a 69 for 202.

It was another gritty performance as the jet-lagged Scot remained within sight of his first PGA Tour win.

"That's what one always does come Saturday night, is to give oneself an opportunity to win, and I've done that, and we'll see what happens tomorrow," said Montgomerie, who ended a 19 month title drought last Sunday with a victory at the Dunhill Links championships.

"I'd have taken 69 before we started, so that's fine.

"I hit the ball well through the week, really. I've hit the ball well the last month, and I look forward to trying to do the same tomorrow."

World number one Woods, seeking an unprecedented 10th WGC individual title, signed for a 68 to join Spain's Sergio Garcia (67) in third place on 203, seven under.

Woods had a rollercoaster round which included five birdies, three bogeys and a few visits to some interesting spots.

At the par-four 14th he hit a wayward tee shot that came to rest under the tyre of a van.

After officials located the keys to the vehicle and moved it, Woods chipped out, but could only make bogey.

He was again in trouble at the 18th, putting his tee shot into a hospitality tent lining the fairway.

This time he was allowed a free drop and Woods recovered to save par.

"Well, it was an eventful day, put the ball under a car and balls in trees and made some putts, hit a couple bunkers, so pretty much saw most of Harding Park," said Woods, who can count a victory at the WGC Invitational in August among his five wins this season.

"But I'm very happy because under these conditions it was tough to go low out there.

"I could have done a little better on some of the holes but I didn't quite get it done.

"I played most of the holes that were easy, I played them well, and some of the holes that were a little more difficult, I didn't play so well, so hopefully I can clean that up tomorrow."

Sweden's Henrik Stenson was in fifth spot on 204, one ahead of Australia's Stuart Appleby.

World number two Vijay Singh of Fiji registered a 69 to join Americans David Toms, Sean O'Hair and Jim Furyk on 206.

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