SAN DIEGO (California), Jan 27: Five-time champion Tiger Woods tightened his grip on a 62nd PGA Tour title by surging eight strokes clear after the Buick Invitational third round on Saturday.

Four ahead overnight, the world number one doubled his lead with a flawless six-under-par 66 on the South Course at Torrey Pines.

That left him on 18-under 198, well ahead of playing partner and fellow American Stewart Cink, who rolled in a 35-foot eagle putt at the last for a 69.

American Joe Durant was a further stroke back in third at nine under after a 67.

Woods, bidding for his fourth successful title at Torrey Pines, produced a six-birdie display that could have been even better but for a missed four-foot birdie putt at the second.

His 54-hole lead shattered the previous tournament best of five set by Gene Littler in 1954 and equalled by Bob Goalby in 1967 and JC Snead in 1976.

Woods, making his first appearance on the 2008 PGA Tour after taking a five-week break, collected his first birdie of the day by rolling in a 10-footer at the fourth.

He also birdied the par-four fifth, after hitting a superb approach to two feet, to reach the turn in two-under 34.

A four-iron to three feet set up another birdie at the par-three 11th and Woods strengthened his hold by picking up further shots at the 13th and 16th where he coolly holed a 25-footer.

Three-time champion Phil Mickelson, 11 strokes off the pace at the start, ended the day 13 back after a 68.—Reuters