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Zach Johnson takes lead from Tiger Woods at Thousand Oaks

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Zach Johnson grabbed the 54-hole lead of the Chevron World Challenge from Tiger Woods in dramatic fashion Saturday when he holed out a fairway shot for an eagle two on the 18th hole.

That gave Johnson a four-under 68 for the day and a three-round total of 208, or eight under par, one shot ahead of Woods at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks.

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Woods, who started the day with a three-shot lead, struggled to get traction and shot a one-over-par 73 in the 18-player tournament that benefits Woods’ charitable foundation.

On the final hole, Johnson was 163 yards from the pin and he hit a seven-iron that took a couple of short bounces on the green before disappearing into the cup.

The crowd lining the 18th green, many of them bundled in ski caps and gloves on a cold, windy day, erupted in cheers as Johnson raised his arms in celebration.

Starting the day four shots behind Woods, Johnson caught fire on the back nine with an eagle at the par-five 11th hole and birdies at Nos. 12 and 13. He also had a bogey six on the 16th hole.

Johnson, 35, won the Masters in 2007 but the Iowa native often has struggled the last two years; his last victory came in May 2010.

First-round leader K.J. Choi was in third place at five under par, while three golfers stood at three under: Hunter Mahan, Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland.

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--Jim Peltz

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