Michael Campbell transformed a share of the lead after rounds one and two into a three shot lead after day three of the Johnnie Walker Classic in Taiwan. The New Zealander, searching for his first victory on the European Tour, posted a three under par 69 to edge away from the pack.
His closest challenger on seven under is big-hitting Australian Geoff Ogilvy after a joint best of the day 68 moved him well into contention. Campbell, however, will also be well aware of the threat posed by the trio on six under par. South Africa's Ernie Els, Argentinian Angel Cabrera and a certain Tiger Woods are all well poised going into the final day.
Campbell picked up four birdies with just the one bogey on the 15th for a 54-hole total of ten under par 206 to strengthen his grip on the title at The Westin Resort Ta Shee. Ogilvy, a graduate from last year’s European Tour Qualifying School Finals, birdied the tricky par three final hole for his fifth birdie of the day for a round of 68.
But the trio on six under par 210 perhaps pose the greatest threat. Els, the 1997 champion and winner of two US Open titles will be looking to avenge the play-off defeat at the hands of Woods last year. Woods, of course, is the World Number One, winner of two major championships, the defending champion and chasing a fifth successive tournament victory. He stayed well in contention with a two under par 70 despite two early bogeys on the second and fifth.
And Argentina’s Cabrera is looking for his first win in 1999 after two runners up finishes during the year. A further shot adrift is another major champion in Fiji’s Vijay Singh, whose four under par 68 equalled the best of the day and left him just five off the lead going into the final round.
