Tiger claws out a two-shot lead at the PGA

CHASKA, Minnesota: What appeared to be a two-day coronation of Tiger Woods turned into a contest on Saturday at the US PGA Championship.

What had appeared an inevitable title, when Woods held a four-shot lead after two rounds, suddenly became filled with possibilities as his margin vanished along the back nine at Hazeltine. Only a late birdie by Woods and a lone bogey from Padraig Harrington gave the final major a familiar look. A conservative Woods wound up with a 1-under 71 and had a two-shot lead over Ireland's Harrington and South Korea's Y E Yang.

That left Woods one round away from capturing his 15th major, with more company than anyone expected. The advantage still belongs to Woods, who has never lost a major when he was leading going into the final round. Only once in his career - nine years ago - had he lost any tournament when leading by two shots or more.

The only fist pump Woods delivered on a blustery afternoon came on the par-4 14th. He hit 3-wood to the back of the green, chipped so poorly that it ran across the green and against the collar, then used the blade of his sand wedge to knock in a 15-foot birdie that allowed him to regain the lead.

Woods will play with Yang, who matched the best round of the tournament with a 67. Yang won his first PGA Tour event earlier this year at the Honda Classic, although he is better known for taking down Woods at the HSBC Champions in China three years ago.