Justin Thomas had six birdies in a three-under 67 to seize a three-shot third-round lead at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational where Tiger Woods faded out of contention on Saturday.
India’s Anirban Lahiri was tied 11th with a six-under 204. After a 65 and 70 on the first two days, he finished with a 69 on day three to lie eight strokes behind the leader. Shubhankar Sharma, with a 13-over, was tied for the 69th spot.
Thomas, who will defend his PGA Championship title next week at the last major of the year, has found form at the right time.
Thomas, one over through the first five holes after a birdie and two bogeys, produced five birdies in a nine-hole span to separate himself from a star-studded chasing pack.
McIlroy carded a three-under 67 to share the second spot on 199 with overnight co-leader Ian Poulter of England, who carded a 70. Former World No. 1 Jason Day was third with a 69 on day three — 200 overall.
Woods, an eight-time winner at the Firestone Country Club which is hosting the Bridgestone event for the last time, couldn't keep pace. He started the day five off the lead and carded a three-over 73 that left him 11 adrift.
“I’m fine. I just played like crap,” Woods said.
“I didn’t warm up very well, I didn’t hit the ball crisp or clean.”
Top scores:
196: Justin Thomas; 199: Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter; 200: Jason Day; 201: Marc Leishman and Kyle Stanley; 202: Rickie Fowler and Jon Rahm.