ROGER Federer seized a 15-14 lead over Tiger Woods in their bragging-rights battle of Major crowns on Sunday as both superstars snagged titles on the same day for the second time in a month.

Swiss tennis icon Federer defeated Andy Roddick 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 16-14 to win a sixth Wimbledon title and record a 15th Grand Slam crown, surpassing the old mark of 14 he shared with Pete Sampras.

World No. 1 Woods, a 14-time Major golf champion and friend of Federer, won the PGA National by one stroke over Hunter Mahan for his third title of the year in his final tune-up for the British Open in two weeks at Turnberry.

Woods was on the practice range about 45 minutes before his tee-time when he learned Federer won and texted him a congratulatory message - 'Great job, now it's my turn,' - then lived up to his plans by winning his own title.'

All three titles for Woods this year have come two weeks before Majors, including one at his last US Open tune-up, the Memorial, on 7 June, the same day Federer won his first French Open title to complete a career Grand Slam.

'His are a hell of a lot bigger than mine,' Woods said. 'He won two Slams and I won two Tour events. Hopefully I can get the Majors now.'

Woods was watching the dramatic final set when the time came to begin preparing for his final round. He learned the score was 14-14 while on the practice green and was on the driving range when he learned Federer had won.

'It was kind of, 'Let's do it again today. That would be nice',' Woods said.

Woods had already filmed a message of congratulations before the US Open.

Moments after Federer's victory, a television commercial by Nike aired with several star athletes offering congratulations, including Woods, who said, 'Fifteen - not bad.'

Woods still likes his chances of finishing his career ahead of Federer in Major titles.

'One good thing is our player career is a little bit longer than theirs, so I've got one good thing there,' Woods said.

AFP