Sergio Garcia cards career-best nine-under-par 61 to lead at Bridgestone Invitational

Spanish golf ace Sergio Garcia delivered a career-best, nine-under-par 61 to advance to a three-shot lead at the Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio.

Garcia equalled the course record set by former world one Tiger Woods in 2000 with consecutive birdies on the final seven holes for a total of 11 under.

Garcia currently leads Justin Rose by three at the halfway stage, with Rory McIlroy and Marc Leishman a shot further back, The BBC reported.

The Spaniard, four off the pace at the start, said that he was thrilled with his round.

Garcia pushed Northern Irishman McIlroy all the way before finishing second at the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool a fortnight ago, which was his 19th top-10 finish in 64 majors.

Garcia also said that he has been fortunate to have some good rounds but feels that was his lowest round in tournament play and also his lowest nine holes so it was very nice.

The Spaniard said that he did get a little bit lucky on the front nine, and added that he hit bad tee shots on four, eight and nine and got good breaks and was able to save par and that kept his round going.

Garcia's back nine score of 27 beat the old record by two strokes, the report added.