Red-hot Garcia storms into lead

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The Spaniard moved into 11 under at the Firestone Country Club after picking up eight shots on the back nine as part of his nine-under 61.

Garcia managed a birdie on the 10th before a string of seven birdies starting at the 12th saw him surge clear while equalling the course record.

Englishman Justin Rose (67) appeared set to be in at least a share of the lead before Garcia's remarkable finish left him three shots adrift at the PGA Tour event in Akron, Ohio.

Australian Marc Leishman (69) and Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy (64) are tied for third at seven under.

Garcia produced a consistent front nine, including a birdie at the second, before another at the 10th.

A fine tee shot at the par-three 12th set up the first of seven straight birdies as he took control of the event in Ohio.

Rose's only blemish was at the par-four 14th as he holed four birdies in a fine round.

Overnight leader Leishman mixed four birdies with three bogeys, while McIlroy moved into contention on the back of seven birdies and just the solitary bogey.

American Rickie Fowler (67) and South African Charl Schwartzel (69) are tied for fifth at six under.

A further shot behind them are American duo Keegan Bradley (67) and Patrick Reed (68).

Canadian Graham DeLaet (69), Americans Brandt Snedeker (68) and Hunter Mahan (65) are at four under, tied for ninth.

World number one Adam Scott (68) looks set to hold onto the top ranking, with the Australian sitting at three under alongside Swede Henrik Stenson (66).

Tiger Woods is in a tie for 25th, after a round of 71 left him at one under.

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