AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Ryan Palmer and Sean O'Hair were tied for the lead and Tiger Woods's troubles deepened Saturday after three rounds of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
Palmer carded a 7-under-par 63 and O'Hair finished with a 6-under 64 to end three rounds at 9-under 201, one stroke better than Matt Kuchar, who registered a 4-under 66 at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.
Tied for fourth place were Ernie Els (64), Peter Hanson (68) and Justin Leonard (69) at 7-under 203.
But the biggest story at Firestone was the continuing struggles of Woods, who was in danger of posting his worst finish ever after finishing the third round mired in 78th place.
His previous worst in a four-round event was a tie for 60th in his very first start -- the 1996 Greater Milwaukee Open.
After shooting a 5-over 75 in the third round, Woods was at 11-over 221 for the tournament. It was his worst position after 54 holes in a PGA Tour event since he turned professional in 1996, well eclipsing his previous three-round worst: a tie for 71st at the 2005 Players Championship.
