AUGUSTA, Ga., April 12 (UPI) -- Trevor Immelman lost and then, thanks to a stroke of good fortune, regained the lead with a third-round 3-under 69 at the Masters Saturday.
Tiger Woods, meanwhile, equaled the day's lowest round and still found himself only one shot closer to the lead than when he started.
On an Augusta National course softened by rains that forced a 45-minute delay, Immelman finished the day at 11-under 205 through 54 holes.
Brandt Snedeker (70), despite three straight bogeys on the back nine, was alone in second at 207. Steve Flesch (69) vaulted into third at 208 and Paul Casey (69) was fourth at 209.
Then came Woods, who shot 68 and was within three of the lead when he finished. Immelman, however, birdied three of the last six holes to distance himself from Woods, who was by himself in fifth at 211.
Stewart Cink (71) was next at 212, followed by nine players at 214. Among that group was defending champion Zach Johnson (68) and Phil Mickelson, who faded with a 75.
Immelman took advantage of a great break at the par-5 15th. His third shot spun off the green toward the water, but the ball stopped on the steep slope and he was able to save par.
