Woods back in familar spot: at the top

AUGUSTA, APRIL 8. Tiger Woods was back in familiar territory on Saturday, leading the Masters heading into the final round in pursuit of an unprecedented fourth straight major title.

But Woods, on the brink of perhaps the most spectacular accomplishment in golf history, characterized his third-round 68 as ``plodding,'' and even the string of three birdies in a row from the 13th failed to elicit fist-pumping excitement. They were enough, however, to vault him to the top of the leaderboard on 12-under 204, one stroke in front of world No. 2 Phil Mickelson.

Mickelson, seeking his first major title, shruggled off a double- bogey at the 14th to close with two birdies en route to a 69 for 205.

He was one in front of 1989 British Open champion Mark Calcavecchia, who carded a 68, and masters newcomer Chris Dimarco. Dimarco, the surprise leader of both the first and second rounds, played in the last group with Woods and shot an even-par 72.

A further shot back on 207 came two-time US Open champion Ernie Els of South Africa, former world No. 1 one David Duval, and unheralded Argentinian Angel Cabrera.

Cabrera, playing his second Masters, and Dimarco, just wouldn't go away through the first half of the round.

``The putts I had starting out the day, it seemed like every putt broke about 10 feet,'' said Woods, who saved par at the third from a snug stance under a tree. ``It was just one of those days where I didn't hit it that close, until I got to seven.''

Woods picked up his first birdie there, but at that point still trailed Dimarco. ``I didn't really do anything great,'' Woods insisted. ``Just plodded along. Missed a few fairways, got the ball on the green, make a putt if I could. If I didn't just two- putt and move on.''

But as the infamous back nine at Augusta national began to take it's toll, Woods' plodding proved to be enough.

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