Stenson watches as the pack close in

– Henrik Stenson (right) clung to a one-stroke lead after Saturday’s third round of the PGA Arnold Palmer Invitational while Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose surged into the title hunt.

Sweden’s Stenson fired a oneunder-par 71 to stand on 12-under 204 after 54 holes at Bay Hill as American Bryson DeChambeau shot 72 to stand one stroke adrift.

But the 36-hole leaders couldn’t expand their edge, allowing Rose, McIlroy and Woods among others to charge into yesterday’s showdown, 12 rivals in all within five shots of Stenson.

“I could have a two- or threeshot lead, which would have been a nice cushion, but I’ve been in the mix a few times and I’m back here trying to give it a go,” Stenson said.

Four-time Major champion McIlroy, who needs only a Masters green jacket to complete a career Grand Slam, birdied two of the last three holes to fire 67.

It was the Northern Irishman’s best US PGA round since the first round last August at Akron and he was third on 206 a week after missing the cut.

England’s Rose made six birdies against a lone stumble, a threeputt bogey at 15, to shoot 67 and share fourth on 207 with American Ryan Moore.

South Korea’s An Byeong-hun was in a pack on 208 that also included Americans Rickie Fowler, Talor Gooch and Charley Hoffman.

Then came Woods, who birdied two of the last three holes for a 69 to share 10th on 209 with compatriots Patrick Reed, Bud Cauley and Grayson Murray. – AFP