U.S. Open Update: Tiger Tames Torrey, Leads By One

By John Nestor

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- It looked like Lee Westwood was going to have the 54-hole lead at the U.S. Open. Tiger Woods had other ideas. Woods played the final two holes of his third round in 3-under-par, including an eagle at the par-5 18th to take a one-stroke lead at Torrey Pines. Woods is at 3-under 210 and in great shape to win his third U.S. Open and 14th major championship. He is 13-for-13 in majors when he has held at least a share of the 54-hole lead.

Westwood finished two groups ahead of Woods and, at 2-under 211, was alone in the lead for a short time. Woods chipped in from the rough at 17, his ball taking one bounce, gently glancing the flagstick and dropping into the cup. On No. 18, Woods split the fairway and launched his second shot onto the green with a fairway wood, grimacing in pain from his surgically repaired knee after the shot. It didn't affect him on his putt, as he dropped a 35-footer that was never headed anywhere but the hole. Now it appears Woods is headed toward an improbable victory.