Duval, Woods familiar faces among crowd of contenders

Rival one up on Tiger

7 within 3 shots of lead at Tour Championship

"It's just mind-boggling what this guy can do with a golf ball," said Perry, who went as far as to congratulate Woods for his record-breaking season as the two walked off the eighth tee. "On 15, I'd be down there in the bushes if I tried to hit over that tree. I'd be playing pingpong off the trees."

Woods, 24, is well aware of what a victory here would mean: It would make him the first player since Sam Snead to have won at least 10 events in the same year and the fourth player in history to do it, joining legends Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson in a very select group.

"I guess anytime you have a chance to go double digits it's nice," Woods said. "Hopefully, I can capitalize on an opportunity this week. I am in contention and it would be special."

And for Duval?

"He's the standard right now of which you are comparing your golf," said Duval, still ranked third in the world behind Woods and Els. "When I get into those pairings, I want to go out and play great golf, to show him I can play, too."(Scores, Page 9c)