Simpson leads Players Championship by seven strokes

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla., May 12 (Reuters) - American Webb Simpson all but extinguished the hopes of his rivals when he opened a record seven-stroke lead after the third round at the Players Championship on Saturday.

After teeing off with a five-shot edge, Simpson increased his advantage with a poised four-under-par 68 highlighted by a 100-foot eagle from a bunker at the par-five 11th at TPC Sawgrass.

The 2012 U.S. Open champion posted a 19-under total of 197 to match the tournament 54-hole record by Greg Norman.

Simpson also moved within sight of the biggest victory margin in tournament history: seven strokes by Steve Elkington in 1997.

New Zealander Danny Lee shot 70 to move into second place on 12-under, with American world number one Dustin Johnson (69) another two strokes behind in third place.

Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth shot 65, best of the day, to jump into a tie for ninth, a distant 11 strokes behind Simpson. (Editing by Gene Cherry Editing by Alistair Bell)