PARAPARAUMU BEACH (New Zealand), Jan 12: Tiger Woods played himself into contention with a four-under-par 67 in the rain-affected third round of the New Zealand Open on Saturday.

The world number one showed signs of his best form as he moved to a three-under-par total of 210, six behind leaders Steve Alker and Stephen Leaney whose rounds were cut short by fading light.

Nearly four hours play were lost when torrential rain made many parts of the course unplayable.

Woods endured a seesaw round starting with a double-bogey at the first hole, but he put together three birdies and an eagle before the rain interruption.

He returned to add another birdie before trading two bogies and two birdies over the final six holes to take the early clubhouse lead.

Australian Leaney and New Zealander Alker were forced to stop after 12 holes because of bad light, both on nine-under for the tournament.

A stroke behind on eight-under were Australian Craig Parry, who had played 14 holes, and leading New Zealander Michael Campbell.

Campbell, ranked 28th in the world, had the best completed score of the day, a five-under 66, for a three-round total of 205.

He fired eight birdies and three bogeys on the course where he won his maiden New Zealand Open two years ago, shooting 31 over the back nine.

Overnight co-leader James McLean of Australia was alone in fifth place at seven-under after 12 holes.

Korean-born teenager Jae An again played with an assurance beyond his limited years, carding a par 71 for a three-over-par total of 216, three over par.

The 13-year-old, who now lives in New Zealand, is believed to be the youngest male ever to play in an open professional tournament.

Fourteen players will tee off early on Sunday to complete their third rounds before a rearranged field plays the final 18 holes.

Third round scores:

205 Michael Campbell 67 72 66

209 Brad Heaven (am) 70 72 67, Stuart Malcolmson 68 73 68, Nick O’Hern (Australia) 68 71 70

210 Tiger Woods (U.S.) 70 73 67

211 Stephen Scahill 67 75 69, Craig Perks 74 68 69, Steven Conran (Australia) 71 71 69, Wayne Smith (Australia) 70 69 72, Anthony Painter (Australia) 68 71 72

Leading players to complete third round on Sunday:

Nine under after 48 holes - Steve Alker, Stephen Leaney (Australia)

Eight under after 50 holes - Craig Parry (Australia)

Seven under after 48 holes - James McLean (Australia)

Six under after 53 holes - Justin Cooper (Australia)

Five under after 52 holes - Jon Riley (Australia), Andrew Bonhomme (Australia)—Reuters