Westwood tries to pull away, building 3-stroke lead in early going of third round at Masters

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Westwood builds three-shot lead in Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. — England’s Lee Westwood has pulled out to a three-stroke lead as he makes the turn in the third round of the Masters.

Westwood birdied two of the first four holes Saturday, made a great par save after driving behind the trees at No. 7. He added another birdie after reaching the green of the par-5 eighth in two shots. He shot a 3-under 33 on the front side and pushed his total score to 11 under — the lowest yet in this tournament.

Ian Poulter, who teed off tied for the lead with Westwood, hit some shaky shots and fell three shots behind his playing partner with a 36 on the front side. Phil Mickelson is another stroke back, while Tiger Woods has dropped to five shots behind.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Lee Westwood has birdied two of the first four holes in the third round of the Masters, pushing his score to 10-under par for a three-stroke lead.

Tiger Woods started with birdies at the first and third holes, climbing with a shot of the top spot. But he failed to get up-and-down from a bunker at the par-3 fourth, and took another bogey with a three-putt at the sixth.

Westwood rolled in a 25-foot birdie on No. 1, and set up his second birdie with a brilliant tee shot at the fourth. He’s three shots ahead of Phil Mickelson and second-round co-leader Ian Poulter, with Woods and Fred Couples another stroke back.