Sports

Garcia and McIlroy, Part II: Garcia takes 3-shot lead over British Open champion McIlroy

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Rory McIlroy responds to cheers after scrambling for a par on the 13th hole, during the third round of the Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, in Akron, Ohio. (AP Photo/Phil Long) (The Associated Press)

Rory McIlroy, from Northern Ireland, reacts after missing a birdie putt on the first green during the third round of the Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan) (The Associated Press)

Sergio Garcia still has a three-shot lead in the Bridgestone Invitational. It just doesn't feel that big.

Garcia had a six-shot lead at one point Saturday until he made his first bogey in 38 holes and wound up with a 3-under 67. Rory McIlroy made a late charge, closing with back-to-back birdies for the second straight day and shooting a 66.

They will be in the final pairing Sunday at this World Golf Championship, a renewal of sorts from the final round at the British Open. McIlroy had a big lead at Hoylake. Now it's Garcia's turn to see if he can hold on at Firestone.

Garcia was at 14-under 196.

Defending champion Tiger Woods had a 72 and was 15 shots out of the lead.