Tiger Woods in the rough at the Australian Open

Nov 14, 2009, 6:30 GMT

   Sydney - Tiger Woods squandered a three-stroke lead Saturday as he battled to stay level with the card at the Australian Open.

   Woods shot an even-par 72 at Melbourne's Kingston Heath to remain at 10-under for the tournament.

   Australians Greg Chalmers and James Nitties joined Woods at the top of the leader board, after each made up three strokes with rounds of 69.

   American Jason Dufner and Australia's Cameron Percy were two shots back with just 18 holes left to play.

   The world's top golfer was the only player among the top contenders not to break par, his 72 contrasting with rounds of 66 and 68 on the first two days.

   Fading after the cut has a familiar ring for the 33-year-old American. He has led at the halfway point in his last four tournaments but has gone on to win only two of them.

   The form slump came after leading Australian internet betting company Sportsbet began paying out on a Woods win, with Sportsbet chief executive Matthew Tripp saying 'we think the Australian Masters is a foregone conclusion.'

It is no longer that, with Woods going into the final day with a bevy of players thinking they have a chance of beating him.

   Woods, playing in Australia for the first time in 11 years, began as the clear favourite, but has struggled with both tee shots and on the greens.