Golf: Els marches on

Ernie Els has opened up an eight-shot lead over Tiger Woods and Peter Lonard after shooting a six-under-par 66 in the third round of the USPGA Tour’s Genuity Championship in Miami.

Els registered his first bogey of the tournament at the par-three ninth hole, but the two-time US Open champion from South Africa is at 17-under 199 after 54 holes at the Doral Resort and Spa course.

Barring a monumental collapse, Els is in position to capture his first title on American soil since the 2000 International.

Craig Parks, Fiji’s Vijay Singh, Justin Leonard and Rich Beem are tied for fourth at seven under, while Sweden’s Jesper Parnevik is one of three players at six under.

Seeking his first win of the year, Woods carded his second straight two-under 70 but lost four shots to Els.

Lonard also carded a 70 after firing a 67 in Friday’s second round.