Woods one stroke behind in Shanghai

Woods, playing his first official stroke-play event in China, shot a five-under-par 67 yesterday and enters the final round of the HSBC Champions tournament one stroke behind leader David Howell of England.

Woods is tied for second at 15-under 201 with Nick O’Hern, who had a 67 for the third consecutive round.

Howell, who shared the lead with Australia’s Nick Dougherty after the second round, missed a birdie putt on the last hole and settled for a 68. More than 1,000 people tracked Woods’ group around the Sheshan International Golf Club course, with the crowd at least doubling at some holes.

The new US$5 million tournament is the richest in Asia, and Woods wants to leave his imprint.

"Considering this is the biggest golfing event they’ve ever had, I think it would be very special to have your name associated with that," he said.

Woods has taken time this weekend to educate fans and photographers.

Golf in China was nearly nonexistent 20 years ago, but the country hosted six European tour events in 2005.