Westwood, Singh and Mickelson share lead in Ohio

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

AKRON, Ohio (Reuters) - Britain's Lee Westwood benefited from faltering finishes by Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson to hold a three-way share of the lead after Saturday's third round at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Englishman Westwood, bidding for his second PGA Tour title, birdied the first three holes at a sun-drenched Firestone Country Club on his way to a three-under-par 67.

After dueling for supremacy with Singh and Mickelson over the back nine, Westwood posted an eight-under total of 202.

With two holes remaining, Singh and Mickelson led the pack at nine under but each bogeyed to drop back into a tie for the lead.

Fijian Singh, seeking his 32nd victory on the PGA Tour but his first this season, missed a two-foot par putt at the 17th before carding a 69.

Playing partner Mickelson, in pursuit of his first World Golf Championship (WGC) title, returned a 68 after bogeying the par-four last where he failed to reach the green in two.

Australian Stuart Appleby was alone in fourth at seven under after sinking a five-footer to birdie the 18th for a 67. A further six players were within four shots of the lead.

"Today was a tricky day and I was surprised how good the scoring was," Westwood told reporters after a round featuring five birdies and two bogeys.

"I wanted to come out quick and birdie-birdie-birdie was obviously great. I was pleased with the way I putted and I felt really comfortable. I played pretty solid all day."

Mickelson, the highest-ranked player in the elite field of 80 in the absence of injured world number one Tiger Woods, shrugged off his untidy finish.

'FUN SHOOTOUT'

"I'm excited that I'm tied for the lead going into the final round," the American left-hander said. "I think it'll be a fun shootout. There's four guys right there and then there's a big grouping four shots back.

"I'm starting to really play well and I feel good with the putter. Even when I miss putts now, I've at least hit them solid. I feel really good on the greens."

Singh, who has not won on the PGA Tour since the Arnold Palmer Invitational 17 months ago, is eager to end his title drought.

"It's always important to win a tournament every year, and I haven't won this year," the 45-year-old said. "It's in the back of my head but it's not going to be there tomorrow when I start off.