Betheseda, Maryland , July 8: Tiger Woods was grumbling about missed opportunities after carding a one-under 69 to sit seven strokes off the pace at the Congressional Country Club.

The world number one birdied the opening hole and appeared read to make a charge for the top of the leaderboard yesterday. But over the next few holes, the 31-year-old had several birdie putts lip out of the cup or stop within inches of their mark.

Woods enters Sunday's final round tied for eighth place, seven strokes off the pace set by Australian Stuart Appleby.

''I birdied one,'' he said.

''I just barely missed at two and lipped out at three and lipped out at four. So realistically, I should be three or four under par through four and I was only one.

''It's frustrating, it really is. There's no denying that.

When you hit good putts and you think they are looking dead center, they kind of wander left or right, it is frustrating.'' Woods said there was no doubt if he had a few breaks in the front nine he would be battling for the lead, but he refused to concede defeat in the hunt for his 58th career title.

''I've got to make a run myself and see what happens,'' he said. ''I know I have to handle my own business first before anything can happen.'' Woods has had his share of distractions at the 6 million dollars tournament. He is hosting the inaugural event and became a first-time father just last month.

Appleby said he would not be paying too much attention to what Woods might do in the final round.

''I'm not worried about him at all,'' he said.

''I didn't even look at the leaderboard today. There was no point, because this course, if you look away, it will turn around and slap you real quick.''

Reuters>