Woods inches closer at rainy Augusta

By Larry Fine

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) - Tiger Woods made up one stroke at rain-softened Augusta National early in Saturday's third round to move within six strokes of the lead at the U.S. Masters.

Starting right after a 40-minute weather delay that saw heavy rain and a threat of lightning, Woods had birdie chances at each of his first seven holes but converted only at the par-five second to reach two-under-par for the tournament.

South African Trevor Immelman, the overnight leader at eight-under-par 136, and second-placed American Brandt Snedeker were about to tee off on a course that appeared susceptible to a low round with the greens receptive to approach shots.

Holder Zach Johnson, who began the day at two-over-par, played his first nine holes in four-under 32 before taking a bogey at the 10th.

Australian Robert Allenby showed how to play the 10th when he holed out from the fairway for an eagle-two that improved him to two-over-par for the championship.

Americans Nick Watney and Boo Weekley were three-under in their rounds. Watney, who had played nine holes, was two-under for the tournament while Weekley, through 10, was one-under-par overall.

Three shots off the pace entering the third round were twice-winner Phil Mickelson, fellow-American Steve Flesch and Britain's Ian Poulter.

Briton Paul Casey and Canadian Stephen Ames were another shot back, four behind Immelman, with former champion Mike Weir of Canada and Americans Stewart Cink and Arron Oberholser grouped at three-under-par.

Rain and gusty wind met the early starters and after a little more than two hours play was suspended because of the threat of lightning in the area.

Competition resumed at 1 p.m. local time. With skies brightening and the wind diminished, officials were hopeful the round would continue without any further delays.

(Editing by Miles Evans and Ken Ferris)