Memorial tournament 54-hole leader Bryson DeChambeau insists he is not intimidated by the presence of Tiger Woods despite the event's most prolific champion lurking at Muirfield Village.
DeChambeau fended off brave challenges from several stars including Woods and a hole-in-one from Patrick Cantlay during a thrilling third round in Ohio.
Chasing his first win since breaking through for a maiden US Tour victory at the 2017 John Deere Classic, DeChambeau fired a six-under-par 66 at Muirfield Village to climb to 14 under.
The 24-year-old will take a one-shot cushion into the final day over Cantlay (66), Kyle Stanley (70) and 19-year-old Joaquinn Niemann (70) at the Jack Nicklaus-hosted event.
The 42-year-old Woods briefly grabbed a share of the lead on moving day but hung on to his place among the contenders during a 68 that lifted him to nine under and a share of seventh.
DeChambeau says seeing Woods' name on the leaderboard is inspiring, rather than daunting, after experiencing the phenomenon during Rory McIlroy's Arnold Palmer Invitational victory in March,
He finished runner up and Woods tied fifth at Bay Hill.
"I think that's what spurred on Rory to win; he went on a birdie barrage on the back nine," DeChambeau said,
"I also played pretty well consequently of Tiger playing well.
"It's definitely a different vibe; I wouldn't say it's (distracting) but it does make you think."
Woods will attempt to equal the tournament's largest 54-hole comeback of five shots, but will no doubt draw from starting the final round four shots back during his 2012 Memorial victory.
It was Woods' fifth win at Memorial, after winning each edition between 1999 and 2001 before adding another title in 2009.
The 14-time major winner believes he is close to firing on all cylinders after three solid rounds at Muirfield Village.
"I'm in position where if I shoot another good round like I had the last two days, I've got a chance," Woods said.
"I am definitely not taking advantage of how well I'm hitting it; I could have easily shot 63 or 64 without doing much today."
Adam Scott is the leading Australian at eight under following a solid 70, while countryman Jason Day double-bogeyed the 18th to shoot 74 and fall back to six under.
Former world No.1 Day sits one shot ahead of countryman Marc Leishman at five under after he carded a 67.
John Senden and Rod Pampling round out the Australian contingent, but each shot 75 to miss a second cut that was made after 54 holes.
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