McDowell leads by two at Tiger's tournament

THOUSAND OAKS, California: Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell fired a bogey free four-under par 68 on Saturday to take a two-shot lead over Keegan Bradley going into the final round of the World Challenge.

McDowell had a 54-hole total of 13-under 203 at Sherwood Country Club and though his three-stroke overnight lead slipped a notch, he is still well-placed to capture his first victory since he won this tournament in 2010.

That victory capped an outstanding season for McDowell, in which he won the US Open up the Pacific coast at Pebble Beach and delivered the clinching point in Europe's Ryder Cup win.

This year a victory in the unofficial event hosted by Tiger Woods would give a sweet taste to a mixed season in which he settled for a tie for second at the US Open, and a tie for fifth at the British Open.

On Sunday, McDowell will play alongside 2011 PGA Championship winner Bradley, who had six birdies in his five-under 67 and was alone in second place on 205.

Three shots further back was tournament host Woods, who carded his second straight 69 and Bo Van Pelt, who hit a 70 for 208.

With the rain-softened Sherwood layout again playing long, McDowell drained lengthy birdie putts at the second and fourth holes, adding birdies at the ninth and 11th before parring his way in. (AFP)