Wood strengthens hold on amateur race at Birkdale

By Norman Dabell

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Britain's Chris Wood tightened his grip in the race for leading amateur at the British Open by moving four strokes clear of his nearest rival in Saturday's third round.

The 20-year-old Englishman fought back from a poor start to card a three-over-par 73 in brutal gale-force winds at Royal Birkdale.

Wood finished at eight-over 218 with compatriot Thomas Sherreard, his only other rival for the silver medal, four adrift after returning a 76.

Winner of the English Golf Union's 2007 order of merit, Wood held a one-stroke lead over Sherreard at the start of the day but lost ground when he bogeyed three of the first four holes.

However, he battled back to stay on track for one of amateur golf's most cherished prizes.

"I've battled all the way round," Wood told reporters after covering the last eight holes in one under.

"I started poorly but finished well with three fours. That was my target -- one under to finish for a 73."

Wood was delighted to be thrust into the spotlight at a major championship.