AKRON (Ohio), Aug 27: An unexpected collapse by four-time champion Tiger Woods threw the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational wide open after Saturday's third round.

One ahead at the start of the day and ideally placed to push on and win his fourth consecutive PGA Tour title, the 30-year-old American dropped four shots in a row on his way to a one-over-par 71.

That left Woods tied for second at eight-under 202, a stroke behind pacesetting American Stewart Cink who fired a joint best-of-the-day 64.

Level with Woods were compatriot and playing partner Davis Love III, after a roller-coaster 70, and Briton Paul Casey (64).

Jim Furyk dropped two shots over the last three holes for a 69 to slip to fifth place at seven under, one better than fellow American Lucas Glover (69).

Woods knew he was in for a tough day on a fast-running Firestone Country Club layout after struggling in his warm-up and was astonished to finish just one off the pace.

Hunting his fifth victory at Firestone in seven starts, Woods began the day in customary fashion.

After parring the first two holes, he chipped in for birdie from behind the green at the par-four third to forge two ahead of the chasing pack at 10 under.

However, a three-putt to bogey the par-three fifth triggered the world number one's dramatic slide.

Leading third round scores:

201 – Stewart Cink (US) 70, 67, 64.

202 – Paul Casey (Britain) 69, 69, 64; Tiger Woods (US) 67, 64, 71; Davis Love III (US) 67, 65, 70.

203 – Jim Furyk (US) 69, 65, 69.

204 – Lucas Glover (US) 66, 69, 69.

205 – Ernie Els (South Africa) 68, 67, 70; Kevin Stadler (US) 68, 67, 70; Adam Scott (Australia) 63, 71, 71.

206 – David Toms (US) 67, 74, 65; Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) 72, 67, 67; J.J. Henry (US) 70, 68, 68; Luke Donald (Britain) 67, 69, 70.

207 – Trevor Immelman (South Africa) 69, 70, 68.

208 – Michael Campbell (New Zealand) 67, 71, 70; Angel Cabrera (Argentina) 70, 68, 70.

209 – Kenny Perry (US) 73, 70, 66; Ian Poulter (Britain) 71, 71, 67; Mike Weir (Canada) 69, 71, 69; Vaughn Taylor (US) 71, 67, 71; Robert Gamez (US) 70, 67, 72.

210 – Robert Allenby (Australia) 71, 71, 68; Sergio Garcia (Spain) 69, 73, 68; Carl Pettersson (Sweden) 70, 72, 68; Arron Oberholser (US) 70, 71, 69; Ben Crane (US) 73, 67, 70; Stephen Ames (Canada) 69, 70, 71.—Reuters