Rocco Mediate faces the daunting prospect of going head-to-head with Tiger Woods in an 18-hole play-off for the US Open title at 1700 BST.

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Golf: Woods seeks eighth victory ... to deny 45-year-old veteran Rocco Mediate his maiden major trophy.

Woods has an excellent record in major play-offs, winning his previous two at the 2000 USPGA and 2005 Masters.

The 32-year-old has been hampered by knee pain after undergoing surgery.

Woods used his driver as an impromptu cane walking from the tees and received treatment on his knee on Sunday to prepare for yet another 18 holes at the Torrey Pines course in San Diego.

"I took some things to kind of relieve that (pain)," Woods said after he carded a two-over-par 73 to join Mediate at the top of the leaderboard.

"I've never been in this position before in a US Open. It is a stroke match, so you just have to worry about one person and take care of yourself as well."

The play-off marks a remarkable resurgence from Mediate, who had contemplated quitting last season because of a chronic back injury.

His previous best finish at a major was fourth at the US Open in 2001.

And Mediate, who could become the oldest ever winner of the title, said he is enjoying every moment and relishing the prospect of taking on Woods.

"I get to play for the national Open against the best player on earth, that maybe ever played," he said.

"How much more could you ask for? To go up against the best player in the world and have a chance to beat him, there's nothing else you can ask for, period."

(BBC)

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