Padraig Harrington’s challenge at the BMW Championship faltered on Saturday as Tiger Woods seized complete control in Illinois. While the Dubliner stalled on six under, Woods raced into a four shot lead on 14 under.

The world number one was tied at the top of the leaderboard with Mark Wilson on seven under overnight, but his fellow American fell away badly.

Woods, on the other hand, picked up seven strokes in a devastating display and – with four holes remaining – Australian Marc Leishman was his nearest challenger on 10 under.

Woods had stumbled out of the gate opening his round with a bogey for the second consecutive day.

But the world number one responded with birdies at the third, six and eighth while an eagle at the ninth saw him reach the turn at 11 under. Further birdies at the 11th, 13th and 14th saw him leave his rivals in the rear view mirror.