Westwood on top

AUGUSTA, Georgia (AP):

England's Lee Westwood will take a one-shot lead into final round of the Masters, facing a last-day pairing with crowd favourite Phil Mickelson.

Westwood shot a four-under 68 yesterday but could hear roars for just about everyone but him as the American contenders made their charge.

Mickelson made consecutive eagles, and came within inches of three in a row. Tiger Woods battled back from a seven-shot deficit with three straight birdies to stay in the game. Fred Couples chipped in for eagle, keeping his hopes alive.

Westwood kept his head down amid all this madness and wound up with what mattered - the lead.

With his best chance ever to win that elusive major, Westwood made only one bogey and finished with a tough par to take a one-shot lead over Mickelson (67) into the final round of a Masters that keeps getting better.

"I think I'm ready," Westwood said.

Westwood, No. 4 in the world and among the best without a major, was at 12-under 204. He will be in the final group with Mickelson, No. 3 in the world and the sentimental favourite at Augusta given his turbulent year at home with his wife and mother battling breast cancer.