Even though Tiger Woods [Images] will carry a two-shot lead into the final round of the British Open later on Sunday, a repeat of his stroll in the sun to the title five years ago looks unlikely.

The world number one posted a 19-under-par total of 269 in benign conditions at St Andrews in 2000, good enough for an eight-shot victory.

Woods threatened to repeat the feat after opening rounds of 66 and 67 pushed him four strokes clear but a 71 on Saturday left him on 12 under overall with his advantage halved.

Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal leads the pursuers at 10 under with Briton Colin Montgomerie and Retief Goosen of South Africa one shot further adrift.

Another Spaniard, Sergio Garcia, and American Brad Faxon are also in the hunt at eight under.

But Woods has a strong record of leading from the front after the third round, with 36 wins from 41 during his nine-year professional career.

"There are certainly guys that will make some birdies going out but even if they do I can pick up shots there too," said the 29-year-old American.

"Hopefully tomorrow I'll get out early and make some birdies and especially around the loop (turn)."

SERIOUS CHALLENGE

Olazabal has the experience to mount a serious challenge even if he only gained his place at St Andrews after compatriot Seve Ballesteros pulled out with a chronic back injury.

The 39-year-old Olazabal, who qualified as the highest ranked non-exempt player, will play alongside Woods in the final match on Sunday.

"I've always said I have no problems playing with Tiger," he said.

"It might be harder if you're playing in the States in the sense that crowds there are louder.

"Once Tiger has played the hole everybody moves and leaves...but that's not the case here and that's why the crowds in the (British) Open are best."

Scot Montgomerie, 42, can bank on another day of fevered home support as he aims to break his major duck.

"Let's hope tomorrow I can get off to a decent start, to be a couple under after five or something and get to 11 under and put some type of pressure on Tiger," he said.

"If I can score 66 around here I have a chance and that's the aim."

Goosen, who squandered a three-shot lead on the final day of the U.S. Open last month, will be aiming for something similar.

He said he had already forgotten his Pinehurst collapse.

"It was just one of those things that happened. I'd just like to give myself a chance every time on Sunday and hopefully one day it works out and you win again," said Goosen.

"That's all you can do in this game. You have to keep grinding away and hope it happens for you."