Darren Clarke made a fast start to his third round of the Players Championship at Sawgrass, and then endured something of a bumpy ride, but was still within touching distance of overnight leader Jim Furyk.

Clarke started the day on one under but on taking to the daunting Sawgrass course he opened with a birdie at the first and followed that with an eagle three at the par five second. However two bogeys, a double bogey and three birdies over the next nine holes left the Ulsterman on three under and five behind Furyk, who has yet to take to the course.

Phil Mickelson was making the boldest move of the early starters as the left-hander was four under for his round, five under overall, with two holes to play.

Australian Adam Scott and Trinidad's Stephen Ames share second, one shot behind Furyk on seven under. World number one Tiger was one over through six and back to two under for the tournament.