AKRON (AP) - Justin Thomas pulled away from the crowd with five birdies in the middle of his round for a 3-under 67 and a three-shot lead going into the final round of the Bridgestone Invitational.
No one could keep pace with Thomas, least of all Tiger Woods.
Starting the third round Saturday five shots behind, Woods managed only one birdie and shot 73 to end his streak of 10 consecutive rounds at par or better during his comeback season. He was 11 shots behind.
Thomas, who defends his title next week in the PGA Championship, goes after his third victory of the season, but first in five months.
He plays in the final group with Rory McIlroy, who shot a 67 and was three behind. Ian Poulter (70) also was three back.
