Woods takes three-shot lead at Zozo Championship to close on record-equalling win

Inzai (Japan), October 27: Tiger Woods moved closer to a record-equalling win as he took a three-shot lead at the rain-delayed inaugural Zozo Championship.

Woods, who is aiming to draw level with Sam Snead's record of 82 PGA Tour victories, carded 66 in another impressive display on Sunday to take him to 18 under par.

The American followed up with three birdies against a lone bogey in round four before bad light saw play suspended.

The 15-time major champion is three ahead of home hopeful Hideki Matsuyama, who in turn holds a healthy three-shot lead on Im Sung-jae and Gary Woodland, who managed 67 and 68 respectively.

Woods, making his first appearance since he underwent knee surgery in August, hit six birdies to keep himself ahead following a tricky start to Sunday's play.

Leaderboard @ZOZOChamp when the final round was suspended due to darkness:

1. @TigerWoods -18 (11)
2. Hideki Matsuyama -15 (12)
T3. Sungjae Im -12 (14)
T3. @GaryWoodland -12 (10) pic.twitter.com/RbGi59SP66

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 27, 2019

Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, continued his revival from a dismal opening-round effort of 72 with an exceptional 63 – including an eagle on the 18th – to take him to 11 under par, with the Northern Irishman completing the top five heading into the final round.

Due to the inclement weather, players started their fourth rounds as soon as the third had finished, with Justin Thomas and Open Championship winner Shane Lowry both carding 65 before diminishing light in Chiba meant play had to be called off for the day.