Golf: Molinari set for Green Jacket showdown with Woods

World
Europe

Francesco Molinari went two shots clear atop the Masters' leaderboard on Saturday to set up another mouth-watering final round showdown with Tiger Woods for a major title at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S.

The third round saw an almost flawless Molinari, who has carded just a single bogey through three rounds, surged ahead of the American legend, chasing Jack Nicklaus's 18-major landmark.

The Italian's error-free efforts on the day helped him sign for a six-under 66 to top the leaderboard at 13-under.

Molinari was the first Italian to win a major with his victory at last year's British Open and will start in pole position to claim a Green Jacket to go along with his Claret Jug on Sunday.

He said after the day's play, "I thought maybe I played slightly better yesterday, but today, mentally was very good. Made two big putts on four and five to save pars, and then kind of get going from there. Playing the back nine probably as good as I've ever played over here, so really pleased about that. And then obviously a good save on 18. So nice to keep another clean score-card."

American golfer Tiger Woods walks beside the leaders' board after putting on the 18th green during the third round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S., April 13, 2019. /VCG Photo

Joining Molinari in the last group will be 14-time major winner Woods as he has been paired with the Italian in the final round at Carnoustie.

Woods is eyeing to end his 11-year-long major title drought after his five-under 67 helped him inch closer to a long-awaited major.

The veteran legend, whose last major title was at the 2008 U.S. Open and the last time he claimed the Green Jacket was way back in 2005, mentioned, "Well I know that you know, it's a little different than being 23. You know, I certainly had a lot more years ahead of me. At 43 I don't, you know, it's just reality.

"I'm able to compete at a high level again, after being out for a few years. And you know the experience of the last two major championships when I had a chance to win certainly helps. And so, I've been in this position, I've been in this mix before in the last two majors, and I look forward to getting back out there again tomorrow," Woods added.

Molinari and Woods will be accompanied by Tony Finau, who emulated Woods's 11-under total with a brilliant eight-under 64, thanks to his Masters-record equaling front nine of six-under 30.

With the forecast calling for heavy rain and thunderstorms late on Sunday, officials have decided to send golfers off in threesomes from both the first and 10th tees rather than traditional pairs in an attempt to get the final round completed and avoid a Monday finish to the year's first major.

Lurking one shot further back is twice U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka, who is trailing Molinari by three after his three-under 69.

(With agency input)