FOR the second time this season, Brian Davis was in position to challenge for the tournament lead in America after three rounds. But as Tiger Woods collected the Arnold Palmer Invitational trophy from the veteran Open champion for his seventh straight vic

FOR the second time this season, Brian Davis was in position to challenge for the tournament lead in America after three rounds.

But as Tiger Woods collected the Arnold Palmer Invitational trophy from the veteran Open champion for his seventh straight victory, the former Herts county player slumped to a tie for 57th place at Bay Hill in Florida.

Davis, now full time on the US Tour, had opened with a five over par 75, but then hit form with rounds of 64, 68 to be only three shots off the lead going into the final day.

He then met disaster, taking 77 for a four over par 284, as Woods holed from 24ft on the final green for 66 and 10 under par 270.

Just above Davis in 48th place after a final round of 69 came Herts colleague Ian Poulter.

In eight events played, Davis has made four cuts, his best previous finish being tied seventh in the Honda Classic after leading at halfway.