South African Trevor Immelman will resume his quest for a first major title with a two-shot lead going into Sunday's final round of the Masters.

The 28-year-old would become the first start-to-finish winner since Raymond Floyd in 1976 but has four-time champion Tiger Woods looming large.

Immelman shot 69 for 11 under ahead of Brandt Snedeker, with Steve Flesch eight under and Paul Casey one back.

Woods made the biggest move on a damp day with a 68.

It was the American's best score at Augusta since a 65 in the third round in 2005.

Woods, who was seven shots off the pace overnight, is chasing a 14th major title and the first leg of a possible Grand Slam of all four majors in one year.

The world number one has yet to win a major when coming from behind on the last day, but in his favour is the fact that none of the four players ahead of him have won a major.

"I've put myself right back in the tournament. A 68 was about as high as I could go - I hit the ball really well and had so many putts that skirted the hole," said the 32-year-old.

"Conditions are supposed to be blustery tomorrow and it does not take much to make a high number out there. You've just got to hang in there."

Immelman, who had a cancer scare just four months ago, led after the opening two rounds but slipped back early on to hand Snedeker the advantage before firing a birdie on the 8th and then another at 13 to establish a two-shot cushion.

Another birdie at 14, as Snedeker and Casey fell away, gave Immelman a lead of three at 10 under.

He was fortunate to escape with a par when his ball narrowly missed the water on 15, but he signed off with a birdie to match Snedeker, who hit back with three birdies in his last five holes to set up Sunday's finale.

"All I can do is go out tomorrow and play as hard as I can and just believe in myself," said Immelman.

American Flesch enjoyed a brief spell in front on the way to carding a 69, while Casey dipped in and out of the lead after firing four birdies on the front nine to get to eight under.

After the turn the Englishman twice dropped back to seven under, but each time made amends before a final bogey on 17 took him to a 69.

"I'm happy with that but I need to go even lower tomorrow," said the 30-year-old.

"There is something about this occasion and no doubt the golf course suits me down to the ground.

"It's a place that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and the only other place that does that to me is St Andrews.

"It's going to be difficult but I can't worry about anyone else. Patience and not forcing it is going to be the key."

American Ryder Cup player Stewart Cink ended four under after a 71 for sixth place on his own.