AKRON, Ohio – After playing alongside the world’s top-ranked player for 18 holes Saturday, Chris Wood knows just what he and the rest of the field at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational face in trying to catch Tiger Woods, who leads by seven shots after 54 holes. According to the Englishman, their efforts in that regard Sunday will likely be an exercise in futility.
“No, I don’t think so,” he explained when asked if Woods could somehow squander his massive 54-hole advantage. “There’s a lot of good players here, but he seems to be playing really solid.”
After a par on the opening hole, Wood made birdies on Nos. 2 and 3. Though a closing bogey left him with an even-par 70, the 25-year-old heads into the final round tied for fourth, nine shots behind Woods but still with plenty of final-round incentives.
“I’m here to try to break into the top 50 in the world,” said Wood, who was listed at No. 71 in the latest world rankings after climbing as high as 59th earlier this year. “I’ve got a good chance tomorrow.”
Both money and valuable world ranking points serve as incentives for Wood on Sunday.
“Well, I want to finish as near as I can to him, really,” he said. “Because that’s probably going to be second.”