Love in the groove in California

Davis Love III carded a nine-under-par 63 to take a third-shot lead into the final round of the Target World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club in California.

Love went round the first 16 holes in 10-under without a bogey, before dropping a shot at the 17th, with a closing par giving the American a 54-hole total of 205, 11 under par.

Love left playing partner Tiger Woods in the distance, the world number one only managing a 72 to tie for sixth place in the 16-player field.

"He's very easy to play with for a big-name player," said Love of Woods. "To his credit, he is very supportive and I think he's learned to help guys."

Love added: "I just felt like I had to keep birdying every hole. I felt like I had to stay away from watching the board and just keep on pressing, get on a roll and try to stay with it."

Korea's KJ Choi did his best to keep pace with Love, shooting a 65 to reach seven-under 208 and move clear of third-placed Padraig Harrington.

The Irishman was the second-round leader, but dropped back on Saturday after a 70 left him on 211, a stroke better than Mike Weir of Canada and two better than Justin Leonard.

Woods shared sixth with Chris DiMarco and Fred Couples at 214, Australia's Robert Allenby was alone in ninth at 215, with Vijay Singh of Fiji one further back after a third-round 73.

Shaun Micheel and Zimbabwe's Nick Price were tied for 11th at 217.

Kenny Perry and Jay Haas ended the third round 18 shots back at 223, a stroke in front of Ben Curtis and Darren Clarke, who shot a 70 to continue his improvement after opening with a nine-over par 81.