Finally, Tiger roars again

Carnoustie , July 21 

Tiger Woods turned back the clock and briefly tied for the lead en route a 5-under 66 as players plundered Carnoustie in perfect conditions in the third round of the British Open on Saturday. He posted a 5-under 208 total to trail on-course American leaders Jordan Spieth and Kevin Kisner by three strokes, through 14 and 11 holes respectively.

Woods’ clubhouse lead lasted only a few minutes before Italian Francesco Molinari, the hottest player in the game recently, carded 65 for six-under.

But it wasn’t going to spoil the 42-year-old American’s day. “It’s been a few years since I’ve felt like this,” an ebullient Woods said after his best score in a Major since another 66 in the second round of the 2011 Masters. “I’m right there. I’ve got a chance at this, which is great. I had to stay within reach.” In scenes reminiscent of those in the prime of his career, waves of excitement rippled through the massive gallery as 14-times Major champion Woods charged up the leaderboard.

Throwing caution aside after starting the day six strokes behind, Woods wielded his driver aggressively and was rewarded with six birdies in the first 14 holes. A tap-in at the par-five 14th lifted him to the top of a Major championship leaderboard for the first time since the second round at the 2013 Masters. 

Rose hits lowest score

Earlier, Justin Rose set the tone with the lowest score in Carnoustie’s British Open history, a flawless 64.

A day after making the cut with nothing to spare thanks to a birdie at the 36th hole, Rose made the most of his reprieve on a serenely calm morning on the east coast of Scotland.

From an Indian point of view, Shubhankar Sharma marked his 22nd birthday with his first-ever appearance on a weekend at a Major, as he played the third round at the 147th Open Championship. He then shot a second successive even par 71.  After 74-71-71, he is now 2-over 215 and T-56th. Sharma was 2-over after two rounds and he remained there after three, too. Late on Friday, Anirban Lahiri missed the cut after a second round 74 following his first round 76 to finish at 8-over as the cut fell at 3-over. — Agencies

This is the best birthday present for myself, playing in The Open and the weather was perfect today. This is the best way I could have spent my birthday.  I received a lot of good wishes...  — Shubhankar Sharma