CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (AP) -- Sergio Garcia is within 18 holes of his first major title.

The 27-year-old Spaniard remains the leader through three rounds of the British Open at Carnoustie. Garcia fired a 3-under-par 68 today, leaving him three shots ahead of Steve Stricker.

K.J. Choi is among six players in third place at 3-under following a 1-over-par 72.

Stricker had the day's best round, a 7-under-par 64 that puts him at minus-six. He set a course record for an Open and was just one stroke off the tournament mark.

Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington and Stewart Cink join Choi at 3-under, as do Paul McGinley and Paul Broadhurst.

Tiger Woods is eight strokes back following a 2-under 69.