Woods stalks leading trio of Mahan, Sabbatini, Casey

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2007

AKRON, United States (AFP) — Red-hot Hunter Mahan seized a share of the first-round lead alongside Rory Sabbatini and Paul Casey at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational on Thursday, but Tiger Woods had the trio in his sights.

Mahan continued his sizzling form with a three-under-par 67 at punishing Firestone Country Club.

He was joined by England's Casey and South African Sabbatini, one stroke in front of a group headed by Woods.

Woods all but owns the event, with five victories in the past seven times it has been played at Firestone. But on Thursday Mahan managed to steal the spotlight.

Less than two months ago Mahan was mired in a self-defeating cycle of negativity, but he has turned his game around thanks to his coach and his own self-examination....