Pacesetting Wetterich aims for steely focus in final round

NORTON, Massachusetts, Sep 3 (Reuters) Leader Brett Wetterich plans a blinkered approach in today's final round of the Deutsche Bank Championship, despite having Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson hot on his heels.

Power hitter Wetterich moved one stroke clear of the chasing pack after shooting a five-under-par 66 at the TPC Boston yesterday.

The 34-year-old American finished on 13-under 200, two ahead of Mickelson (68) and three ahead of defending champion Woods (67).

''You've got to play your own game,'' Wetterich told reporters after putting himself in position to clinch his second PGA Tour title.

''You can't worry about who you're playing with or who's behind you. I know that's easy to say sitting here right now because I'm sure it's going to sink into my head when I'm playing.

''But you've got to drown those thoughts out and worry about what you can do and not worry about what anyone else is going to do.'' Wetterich, who broke through on the world's biggest circuit with a one-stroke victory at last year's Byron Nelson Championship, is confident he can revisit the winner's circle at the TPC Boston.

OWN THING ''I'm just going to do my own thing,'' he said. ''If I go out and shoot five under like I did today, it's going to be hard to beat me, unless someone really plays a good round of golf.

''I'm going to go out and try to make the best score that I can. If someone catches me and beats me, then hey, they did. I feel good about my round and how I played today.'' Wetterich also has good memories to draw on from the WGC-CA Championship at Doral in late March when he chased playing partner Woods in the final round.

Although the world number one went on to clinch his third successive victory at the event, Wetterich outscored his compatriot with a 71 to a 73 after reeling off two birdies in the last five holes.

''A year and a half ago, just before the Byron Nelson, I started hitting the ball well and I had a couple good finishes,'' he recalled.

''And lo and behold, I won the Byron Nelson. I think I've come a long way since then.'' Reuters BJR VP0628