Jul 18, 2009, 16:12 GMT
Turnberry, Scotland - American Tom Watson, who is bidding to become the oldest-ever winner of a golf major, continued to lead the 138th British Open in Turnberry midway through the third round on Sunday.
The 59-year-old Watson, who first won the Open in Carnoustie 34 years ago, was one-over par for the day and four-under for the tournament, while his playing partner Steve Marino, who went into the round level with Watson, fell behind after three bogies and a double- bogey on the opening nine holes.
Although Marino, who was born five years after Watson won his first Open, eagled the par-five seventh, he slipped down to tied fourth place.
Ross Fisher, who was on stand-by to leave the tournament as his wife Jo is expecting their first baby, played consistent, steady golf to stay within striking range of Watson on three under.
The 28-year-old was a stroke ahead of a chasing pack of six, including Marino, who were on two under.
South African Retief Goosen looked in contention to challenge for the lead at one stage but twice needed help from the spectators to find his ball on the seventh before declaring it unplayable and finishing with a double-bogey seven to move to two under.
The best round of the day midway through Saturday belonged to American Bryce Molder, who had two bogeys on the first five holes, but then finished strongly with five birdies on the remaining holes for a 67, which took him to par for the tournament.
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