Singh retains narrow lead

Singh, who claimed nine events, over $10 million and the number one ranking from Tiger Woods last year, has carried his brilliant form into a new campaign, carding three bogey-free rounds on the Kapalua Plantation course in Hawaii to sit at 19-under after 54 holes.

While it is not unusual to see Singh's name at the top of the leaderboard, having Kaye nipping at the Fijian's heels ahead of some of golf's biggest names is a bit of surprise.

Having qualified for the elite 31-player winners only field with a victory at last year's Phoenix Open, the 34-year-old American has made the most of his chance, shooting up the standings with a seven-under 66.

South Africa's Ernie Els will go into the final round two strokes off the pace after carding a third round five-under 68 with Stewart Cink another shot adrift.

Defending champion Stuart Appleby of Australia continued to claw his way back into contention with a seven-under 66 to join Canadian Mike Weir four shots back at 15-under.

Despite continuing problems with his putter and another up and down round of four-under 69, Woods remained within striking distance five shots back.

Despite enjoying a flawless tournament, Singh has been unable to pull away from the field and will need to make more birdies to add to his 24 career titles.

GREAT START

"I just couldn't get it to the hole," said Singh, who has won 11 straight events when leading after 54 holes.

"Every time I looked up it was six inches from where I wanted it to be.

"I'll

Els got his third round off to a great start with birdies on four of the first five holes to briefly dislodge Singh from the top of the leaderboard.

The South African, who won this event in 2003 with a record 31-under total, began the day three strokes back of the world number one but needed just three holes to erase the deficit.

Another birdie followed at the par-five fifth and the twice U.S. Open champion found himself alone at the top.

However, Els's sizzling round suddenly cooled, dropping strokes at nine and 13 before getting back on track with a birdie at 14.

"I had a great start and I was thinking (of scoring) low," Els said. "Then I lost all my momentum.

"It was an up and down round. I had my chances today to get low and I'll have another chance tomorrow."

Woods, who began his day five shots back, got his round off to a quiet start with eight consecutive pars before mounting a late charge with birdies on nine, 10, 13 and 14.

But a bogey-birdie, bogey-birdie finish left the former world number one with plenty of work to do on Sunday.

"Everyone made adjustments this week and I haven't and as a result I've struggled," Woods said.

"I probably had to shoot eight or nine under today to give myself a chance tomorrow," he added. "Now I'll just have to hope for some wind and bad weather and play a good round."

He may get his wish.

With poor weather forecast for Sunday's final round organisers have moved tee times forward by four hours and will send the players out in threesomes.