Stalking Tiger prepares to pounce

THE LAST person Justin Leonard wanted to see in his wing mirror coming down the stretch in yesterday’s final round of the US PGA Championship was Tiger Woods.

But that’s what just happened as the world number one chased the three stroke overnight leader relentlessly to such effect that Woods, who was five behind Leonard at the commencement of play, had pulled level after nine and just one shot off the lead held by Rich Beem.

The sun beat down out of a cloudless sky for what quickly developed into a thrilling climax for the Wanamaker Trophy and the first prize of $990, 000. If Leonard had any doubts that the going wouldn’t be as hot as the weather, then they were quickly dispelled. Woods was in the second last match on the course and when he failed to get on the first green in three shots, it looked as if the much anticipated challenge from the eight time major winner was not going to materialise.