Scott in position to be TPC's youngest winner

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- Three straight birdies gave Adam Scott the lead in The Players Championship. No mistakes on the treacherous back nine at Sawgrass kept him there.

All that remains is to hold off a world-class collection of players on one of golf's most frightening courses.

Scott had a 3-under 69 to take a two-shot lead into a final round that figures to be as entertaining as the course itself.

As wild as it was Saturday, he might not even have the lead when he tees off in the final group. Scott was at 10-under 206 and had 19 players within six shots -- including Tiger Woods.

Scott, a 23-year-old Aussie, has a chance to become the youngest winner of The Players Championship,

Frank Lickliter closed with three straight birdies for a 68.

He was joined at 8-under 208 by Kevin Sutherland, a co-leader going into the second round, who scratched out a 73.

Another shot back was a large group that included Ernie Els (72), Kenny Perry (69) and Phil Mickelson (72). Vijay Singh (72) was right behind, along with Craig Parry, whose 8-under 64 showed that anything goes at any time in this tournament.

Woods wasted a great round -- and a great chance to get himself into serious contention -- when he hit 7-iron into the bleachers on the 18th hole to cap off a bogey-bogey finish for a 68. Still, he was six shots behind in a tie for 16th.

Park, Song share leadGrace Park shot a 5-under 67 for a share of the third-round lead with 17-year-old Aree Song in the Kraft Nabisco Championship in Ranco Mirage, Calif.

Song's round of 69 wasn't quite as good as the one posted by Park, but it was remarkable enough for someone playing in just her fourth tournament as a pro.

Even more impressive was everyone's teen sensation, 14-year-old Michelle Wie, who doesn't figure to cash a check herself for another four years or so. Wie also shot a 69 and will begin play Sunday only two shots back in the second to last group.

Almost unnoticed on a day when youth was served was Annika Sorenstam, eight strokes back after a 69.

Park and Song had 8-under 208 totals on Mission Hills' Dinah Shore Tournament Course. Jung Yeon Lee (71) was a stroke behind the leaders at 7 under, and Karrie Webb (71) matched Wie at 6 under.