South African Trevor Immelman held steady through the front nine and surged ahead with an impeccable homeward half on Saturday to seize a two-shot lead with one round to play at the US Masters.
Immelman posted a three-under-par 69 at rain-softened Augusta National for an 11-under 205 total. The 28-year-old South African stood 18 holes from his first major tournament title, though 13-times major winner Tiger Woods was lurking in fifth place, six shots back.
In second place, on 207, was American Brandt Snedeker, who overcame three successive bogeys with birdies at 14, 15 and 18.