Five days after describing winning the Open on the Old Course as golf’s Holy Grail, Rory McIlroy will take a share of the lead into the final round of the 150th Championship following a stunning Saturday at St Andrews.

Buoyed by a brilliant eagle from a bunker on the 10th, McIlroy carded a superb third round of 66 to boost his bid to end an eight-year major drought and become the first European winner at St Andrews since Nick Faldo in 1990.

Only a bogey on the famous Road Hole 17th prevented McIlroy from holding the outright lead, with Ryder Cup team-mate and playing partner Viktor Hovland, chasing his first major title, carding a bogey-free 66 to join the Northern Irishman on 16 under.

McIlroy lifted the Claret Jug in 2014 and won his fourth major in the US PGA a month later, but has not won one of the game’s biggest titles since.

Augusta National co-founder and three-time Open champion Bobby Jones famously said that a player’s career would not be complete without lifting the Claret Jug on the Old Course.

And while McIlroy does not think that is strictly true, the world number two was well aware of the significance of winning the oldest major title at the Home of Golf.

“I don’t know if a golfer’s career isn’t complete if you don’t, but I think it’s the Holy Grail of our sport,” McIlroy said in his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday.

Asked about the significance of winning on Sunday, McIlroy told Sky Sports: “It would mean everything because of what I have been through the last few years, trying to get the fifth one.

“I have a lot of belief in myself, I know I can do it again. I just need to go out in my own little world and shoot a good score that I know I can do around here.”

Australia’s Cameron Smith had been in pole position to achieve that feat after posting a record halfway total of 13 under par, but the world number six three-putted the opening hole and made a double bogey on the 13th as he slipped off the pace.

Even an error-free front nine of 33 - with birdies on the fifth, sixth and ninth - had seen McIlroy a shot behind an inspired Hovland, who had birdied four holes in a row from the third to take over from Smith at the top of the leaderboard.

However, McIlroy then holed out from a bunker short of the 10th green for a stunning eagle to vault into the lead, before Hovland commendably held his nerve to birdie the same hole.

McIlroy found the green in two on the 614-yard 14th to set up another birdie and move into the outright lead, only to then fire his approach to the daunting 17th over the green and off the wall.

The resulting bogey dropped McIlroy back alongside Hovland, who brilliantly saved par from just over the green, with both players then making a birdie on the last.

Smith and Young will start the final round four shots behind after rounds of 73 and 71 respectively, with world number one Scottie Scheffler and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim a stroke further back.

Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson is six shots back following a 71, with Tommy Fleetwood and US Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick on nine under with Australia’s Adam Scott.

“Today when I was having breakfast it seemed everyone was making birdies everywhere,” Fleetwood said after his 66.

“I got a good start, the middle stretch was frustrating but a good finish again. The putts at 16, 17 (both to save par) and 18 feel crucial. I’d love to be in with a chance coming down the back nine tomorrow, but it is very special to still be in and amongst it.”

The Open

• - 16 R McIlroy, V Hovland

• -12 C Young, C Smith

• -11 S Scheffler, S Kim

• -10 D Johnson

• -9 T Fleetwood, M Fitzpatrick, A Scott

• -8 J Spieth, P Cantlay

• Bryson DeChambeau retains compelling edge in rollercoaster ride at The Open

• REPORT: Rory McIlroy shares lead with Viktor Hovland heading into final round of The Open

Kevin Kisner on stunning Open round at St Andrews: ‘It was a heck of a day’

21:05 , Jack Rathborn

Kevin Kisner took advantage of favourable conditions to surge up the leaderboard on day three of the 150th Open Championship.

The world number 25, who made the halfway cut on the mark of level par, revelled in the sunshine and lack of wind to make six birdies in a front nine of 30, one off the record in an Open at St Andrews set by Tony Jacklin in 1970.

His luck ran out at the 351-yard 12th as he left his chip short to a wickedly placed front-pin position and it rolled back into a hollow from where he could not get up and down.

But the American made amends with a two-putt birdie on the par-five 14th and picked up another shot on the 16th before carding his second bogey of the day on the Road Hole 17th.

Kisner then three-putted for a disappointing par from the front edge of the 18th green to card a seven-under-par 65 and move into the top 10, although he was likely to slide down the leaderboard as the low scoring continued.

“The bogey on 12 and the par on 18 will eat at me a little bit, but it was a heck of a day,” Kisner said.

Kevin Kisner on stunning Open round at St Andrews: ‘It was a heck of a day’

Tommy Fleetwood hails ‘really cool’ day as momentum builds before last round

20:55 , Jack Rathborn

Tommy Fleetwood feels like he has good momentum after climbing the leaderboard at the Open with a third-round 66 at St Andrews on Saturday.

The 2019 runner-up carded seven birdies as he moved to nine under par overall heading into the final day at the Old Course.

The Southport player shot a level-par 72 on Thursday but followed up with a 69 on Friday and is pleased with his improvement throughout the week.

“I got off to a really fast start, which I didn’t necessarily need to, but I wanted to, so that was great,” said the world number 35 after a round which began with four birdies in six holes and ended with three more in the closing five.

Tommy Fleetwood hails ‘really cool’ day as momentum builds before last round

Shane Lowry annoyed and disappointed as putting problems dash Open hopes

20:46 , Jack Rathborn

Even back-to-back, pitch-in eagles could not improve former Open champion Shane Lowry’s mood as he was furious his putting has cost him a chance of winning at St Andrews.

The 35-year-old, winner at Portrush three years ago, was one under par for his round – five under for the tournament – when he holed a 43-yard wedge from the left-hand rough at the ninth.

Proving lightning can strike twice he then sank his short approach from 46 yards, this time from the fairway, at the next hole running parallel in the opposite direction.

Shane Lowry annoyed and disappointed as putting problems dash Open hopes

The Open 2022: Rory McIlroy reacts to third round

20:37 , Jack Rathborn

The Open 2022

20:27 , Jack Rathborn

Both Smith and Young can only make par on the last, both will begin tomorrow -12 and four off the big two at the top.

Matt Fitzpatrick reacts to round of 69 to sit seven shots off lead at -9

20:23 , Jack Rathborn

The Open 2022

20:21 , Jack Rathborn

Just Smith and Young to finish up, if they both convert, then Hovland and McIlroy might be looking over their shoulders tomorrow at the top of the leaderboard.

The Open 2022: Cameron Smith and Cameron Young look to close within three of leaders

20:16 , Jack Rathborn

Cam Smith down the 18th and will have a delicate chip to get up and down for birdie and to reach -13.

Cameron Young is just left of the green and faces a long chip across the 18th to also reach that mark.

The Open 2022: Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland set to post -16 in share of lead

20:13 , Jack Rathborn

Hovland with a gimme birdie too, he’ll join McIlroy on -16 in a tie for the lead heading into Sunday.

It’s a 66 for Hovland and McIlroy, wild cheers and support on the 18th.

The Open 2022: Rory McIlroy set to birdie 18

20:11 , Jack Rathborn

McIlroy cosies up his eagle putt on 18, he’ll make birdie and post -16 to head to the final round at least one shot behind Hovland, who putts next for eagle.

The Open 2022: Viktor Hovland drives green on 18

20:09 , Jack Rathborn

Viktor Hovland with a fine drive on 18, he drives the green, it meanders back around from the right edge, he’ll have 25 feet for eagle.

McIlroy joins him, but he’s down in the Valley of Sin, also with an eagle chance.

The Open 2022: Rory McIlroy drops back to -15 in tie for lead with Viktor Hovland

20:04 , Jack Rathborn

That’s five birdies and 12 pars for Hovland, just rock solid all day.

Now the Norwegian and McIlroy tee off on 18.

The Open 2022: Viktor Hovland magic on 17

20:02 , Jack Rathborn

It’s a putter for Hovland, bumped up and over the hill and to within four feet, magic.

He’ll surely stay at -15 now and McIlroy may join him soon given the lengthy par putt to come.

DJ strokes home the birdie putt and he’s up to -10, only a 71 today though.

Young did miss his bogey putt, he’s on -12 now.

The Open 2022: Rory McIlroy faces tester to stay at -16 on 17th

20:01 , Jack Rathborn

Now for the fun on 17:

McIlroy chipping just a foot closer to the hole from the wall. It’s stabbed up and over the hill and leaves him with 20 feet for par.

Hovland’s turn from the gravel next...

The Open 2022

19:59 , Jack Rathborn

Cameron Smith's birdie putt on 16 just won't turn enough, he's -12 heading to the Road Hole.

Cameron Young’s par putt barely gets up the mound, he’s got a tester for bogey and if he misses that he’ll drop back to -12.

The Open 2022: Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland in trouble on 17

19:57 , Jack Rathborn

Hovland is too hot on 17 and races beyond the green and onto the gravel by the road.

McIlroy from some whispy rough, and this comes out even hotter.

It clatters into the wall, that’s a devilish shot coming up!

The Open 2022

19:55 , Jack Rathborn

Dustin Johnson with a brilliant par save, he goes down the 18th at -9, could he still be in this with a birdie at the last?

Cameron Young still just two back with three to play, quietly goin under the radar at -14.

But just as I type that he putts almost off the green at 16!

The Open 2022

19:45 , Jack Rathborn

Fantastic shot from Scheffler, drawing the ball in on 17 to resist the road. He’s got a birdie chance coming up.

Hovland so close to birdie on 16 too. Everything is touching the edge of the cup.

McIlroy with 20 feet on 16 for birdie and it never turns back from the right side. Both players go to 17 on -16 and -15 respectively.

The Open 2022: Scottie Scheffler passes opportunity to close on leaders

19:37 , Jack Rathborn

Scheffler for birdie, it slides by on 16, a chance spurned, he stays at -11.

Si Woo Kim is the new clubhouse leader on -11 after shotting 67. Matt Fitzpatrick, too, is finished and sits at -9.

The Open 2022: Scottie Scheffler still in contention after birdie

19:31 , Jack Rathborn

Scheffler will not go away, birdie to get back to -11. The world’s number one wants to join the party, five back from McIlroy.

Cameron Smith is back to -12, a confidence-boosting birdie on 14.

The Open 2022: Rory McIlroy moves clear at top

19:18 , Jack Rathborn

Rory McIlroy (-16) takes a solo lead in The Open, he’s -16 heading to 15.

Hovland failed to convert his birdie on the par five.

Smith is two-over now on -11 after a terrible double bogey. It looks like a two-horse race, for now.

The Open 2022: Cameron Young tucked in behind leaders

19:09 , Jack Rathborn

Cameron Young is in the thick of it, now one behind the leaders and at -14.

But it’s all going wrong for Dustin Johnson, back-to-back bogeys, he’s off the pace at -10.

Scheffler doesn’t make the same mistake, still at -11.

The Open 2022: Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy still tied for lead

18:56 , Jack Rathborn

That’s 16.5 feet for birdie for McIlroy on 13, it slides by. He’ll stay tied for the lead at -15.

Viktor Hovland drains a testing five-footer for par on 13. Also still at -15 and five-under today.

The Open 2022

18:46 , Jack Rathborn

That’s a booming drive from Smith, looking to cut down the 341-yard par four 12th.

He splits the whispy rough and bunker, finding the channel and cosying up to within a delicate pitch for his second. Still -13, he needs to close in on Hovland and McIlroy.

If Hovland is to win this week, it’ll be the first time all four majors have been won by players under 30.

Cantlay for birdie on 15, left to right, but not that much, he settles for par and stays at -10.

DJ misses a tiddler for par, he’s back to -11. A blow.

The Open 2022: DJ with a birdie chance to join group at -13 in second

18:27 , Jack Rathborn

Dustin Johnson looks on for birdie at 12, he’s hoping to jump into the group in second on -13.

Cameron Young misses birdie on 11 and remains at -13.

Scheffler races a birdie putt way long on 12, he’s got a horrible putt coming back down the hill. The world No1 could drop back to -11 unless he can salvage an unlikely par.

The Open 2022: Scottie Scheffler drops back

18:30 , Jack Rathborn

It’s 17.5 feet for birdie for Smith on 11, but it slides by, just a par and still at -13.

He’s even par so far today, steady, but that won’t cut it with Hovland and McIlroy able to light up the Old Course today.

And it’s a bogey for Scheffler on 12, he falls to -11.

The Open 2022: Rory McIlroy leads on -15

18:05 , Jack Rathborn

Sensational, an eagle for McIlroy!

McIlroy steps away, then promptly drains it, incredible shift on 10, he jumps into the lead at -15.

Hovland’s own eagle attempt is long and certainly not a gimme coming back for birdie.

Smith’s eagle bid on nine comes up short, but he’s battling away.

The Open 2022: Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy make their moves

17:58 , Jack Rathborn

Birdies for Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy and a miss for Viktor Hovland too.

Well, that tightens things at the top of the leaderboard.

Hovland (-14) by one, then McIlroy (-12) and DJ one more back on -12 alongside Cam Smith.

Scheffler making moves too, the world’s best is up to -11.

The Open 2022: Scottie Scheffler struggling for momentum

17:48 , Jack Rathborn

Scottie Scheffler unable to push on at nine, he remains just 10-under-par heading to the back nine.

A bunch at -8 will hope to push on and close on the leaders soon, we have Spieth on 17, Fitzpatrick on 12, and Hatton and Gooch on 10.

They need to make a move soon as Hovland continues to stack up chances. It’s a little more than 15 feet for the Norwegian on nine for eagle.

The Open 2022: Cameron Young falters

17:34 , Jack Rathborn

We’ve had a bit of a lull in terms of the topsy-turvy nature of the leaderboard half an hour ago.

We are still with Hovland (-14) at the top an the chasing pack yet to break out of their orderly queue.

Young’s curling par putt is short and left, he drops back to -11.

McIlroy on the eighth has 30 feet for birdie.

The Open 2022: Rory McIlroy set to close in on Viktor Hovland

17:08 , Jack Rathborn

Rory McIlroy to within six feet on six, a birdie coming up and a chance to move within one of Hovland at -13.

Cam Smith (-12) can only make par at five, a 10 footer slides by when yesterday it found a home deep in the cup.

Cameron Young is up to -12, a quiet two days for the American after lightning this place up on Thursday to lead.

The Open 2022

17:03 , Jack Rathborn

The Open 2022

16:57 , Jack Rathborn

Cam Smith (-12) with just an eagle putt coming up, after the sluggish start, he’s one stroke from jumping back into the solo lead.

16:54 , Jack Rathborn

Three straight birdies, Hovland leads The Open at -13. McIlroy two back on -11.

Smith on -12 and ready to make a move back to par on the par-five fifth.

It’s all going off around the Old Course!

The Open 2022: Rory McIlroy set to land first birdie of third round

16:52 , Jack Rathborn

McIlroy narrowly misses eagle, but he’ll make a birdie soon on five and get to -11.

Hovland eyeing up eagle too, meaning the gap will likely still be two for the Northern Irisman.

16:50 , Jack Rathborn

Hovland (-12) on five, tries to cut the par five in half and that’s a fine effort, eagle putt coming.

Young (-11) makes a tester on four to stay at 11-under, that’s four pars in succession.

McIlroy (-10) follows his Norwegian parter with an impressive second. Both men eyeing up eagle.

The Open 2022: Viktor Hovland into tie for the lead

16:35 , Jack Rathborn

Hovland’s short stick is hot, another from 30 feet and he’s into a tie for the lead.

It’s a mega putt, up and over the mound to the right of the hole and then slinking back from right to left. Two-under through four. -12.

The Open 2022: Tommy Fleetwood the clubhouse leader at -9 after round of 66

16:28 , Jack Rathborn

HUGE! Fleetwood with a big putt, rockets it in on 18 for birdie, 66 and he’s the clubhouse leader on -9 and just three behind right now.

The Open 2022: Cam Smith steadies himself with par on second

16:24 , Jack Rathborn

It’s a par for Smith (-12) on the second, he’ll look to kick on now after that bogey on one.

Hovland (-11) already to wtihin one and level with DJ (-11) just one back.

Cantlay (-9) on the move too and -2 through five.

The Open 2022

16:11 , Jack Rathborn

Scheffler is moving, a birdie on three after sticking it to a couple feet, brilliant.

The American is just three back now.

McIlroy’s birdie try on two is just short, he stays at -10, but only two behind.

Dustin Johnson with a stunning shot of his own on three, a chance to close to within one of Smith.

The Open 2022: Cam Smith bogeys first, drops back to -12

16:06 , Jack Rathborn

A surprise on one.

Cam Smith bogeys after three-putting, he comes back to the pack at -12.

Some nerves for the usually calm Aussie?

The Open 2022: Rory McIlroy immediately sets up birdie chance as leaders tee off

15:55 , Jack Rathborn

Rory McIlroy (-10)

It’s a birdie putt for McIlroy on one as he bids to get to -11.

Meanwhile, Cam Smith and Cam Young are about to tee off on one.

But it’s bad news for Lowry who makes bogey on 12 to move back to -8 and five back.

The Open 2022

15:43 , Jack Rathborn

A low stinger on the first from Scheffler (-8) and his third round is underway.

DJ (-9) is next, the two-time major champion makes the fairway with a low runner without much fuss. These two are serious contenders this weekend.

While the euphoria surrounding Lowry has not subsided, these two chips are absolutely gorgeous and worth a watch or 10.

John Daly joins Peyton and Eli Manning at Kingsbarns after missing cut at The Open

15:35 , Jack Rathborn

The Open 2022

15:30 , Jack Rathborn

The latest to tee off: Adam Scott (-7), drills an iron down the first. A low draw skips way down the right side of the fairway.

A fast start for Herbert who makes it two birdies in three holes to kick-start his round and move into eighth on -8.

While Pieters, going so well at -9, chunks a wedge out of the rough on 15, it’s just on the front of the green, he’ll be OK with that.

15:27 , Jack Rathborn

The Open 2022: Adam Scott and Patrick Cantlay start well

15:25 , Jack Rathborn

Viktor Hovland dialling in his irons on the range, he’s off with Rory McIlroy in 20 minutes.

Pieters, meanwhile, chips to within 10 feet, distinctively average by his standards, a tester coming up the hill.

Adam Scott to within 10 feet on the first, if he makes that he’ll move to -8, the Aussie is right in contention to exorcise his demons from 2012 in this championship.

Patrick Cantlay’s approach on one is almost as good, 15 feet for birdie to also close to within five of the lead.

The Open 2022: Shane Lowry lands back-to-back eagles

15:15 , Jack Rathborn

That is quite sensational from Shane Lowry, wow, a second eagle in as many holes, it propels him to -9 and just four back of Cam Smith.

It’s already been a historic day for the Irish, could Lowry make it a very special weekend?

The Open 2022: Lowry eagles the ninth

14:57 , Tom Kershaw

Shane Lowry is known as one of the best wedge players on tour and he’s just pitched in at the ninth for eagle. The 2019 champion makes the turn in 33 and he’s now at -7.

The Open 2022: Kisner delighted with round of 65

14:52 , Tom Kershaw

Kevin Kisner was delighted with a round of 65 earlier this afternoon that put the American onto the first page of the leaderboard.

It was a heck of a day – Kevin Kisner makes his move on sunny day at St Andrews

The Open 2022: Pieters birdies 13

14:48 , Tom Kershaw

Thomas Pieters is up into a tie for sixth after a birdie at the 13th. The Belgian is already six under par for his round.

Over at the first, Lucas Herbert has made the perfect start with a birdie to go to -7.

The Open 2022: DeChambeau birdies 18

14:40 , Tom Kershaw

And then he almost holes his approach! What a rollercoaster end to DeChambeau’s round. A four-putt double bogey, an up and down off the path at the Road Hole, and a snap-hook to set up a tap-in birdie at the last.

It’s a round of 67 for the American and he’s in the clubhouse at -6.

The Open 2022: DeChambeau’s snap-hook

14:37 , Tom Kershaw

DeChambeau has just snap-hooked his tee shot at the 18th and it runs all the way into the grandstand by the first tee! It was only an iron too.

The Open 2022: DeChambeau on path at Road Hole

14:29 , Tom Kershaw

DeChambeau pulled his drive so far left at the Road Hole but was able to take relief. It doesn’t help a great deal though as he hits his approach over the back of the green and it’ll be a tricky up and down from the path from there.

The Open 2022: Spieth birdies the third

14:26 , Tom Kershaw

Spieth kickstarts his third round with a birdie at the third. He’s now at -5.

A few groups up ahead, Zalatoris makes back-to-back birdies at 5 and 6 and is -6 for the tournament.

The Open 2022: DeChambeau unravels on 16

14:23 , Tom Kershaw

DeChambeau spent some time after his round yesterday on the putting green by the first tee. It hasn’t done him much good at the 16th, though. A four-putt double bogey halts his charge and he’s back to -5.

The Open 2022: Pieters five under through 11

14:21 , Tom Kershaw

Thomas Pieters’ best finish at an Open came back in 2018 in a tie for 28th. He’s currently in eighth after a brilliant start to his third round. The Belgian is five under through 11 holes and now at -7 for the tournament.

The Open 2022: Poulter also at -5

14:02 , Tom Kershaw

Ian Poulter is ticking along nicely with two birdies in his first six holes pushing him to -5.

It’s all going badly wrong for Justin Thomas though. The American has made a hat-trick of bogeys at the turn and is back at +1. That gloom doesn’t quite compare to Hideki Matsuyama’s though. The former Masters champion is five over for his round after a double bogey at 14.

The Open 2022: Varner moves to -5

13:55 , Tom Kershaw

Rahm misses the putt! That won’t do his temper any favours. Varner doesn’t make the same mistake though and a birdie takes the American to -5.

Russell Henley has made a move up the leaderboard with an eagle at the ninth. He makes the turn in 31 and is now seven under for the tournament.

The Open 2022: Rahm almost holes out at 1

13:43 , Tom Kershaw

I said Rahm needed a fine round... Well, he’s almost just holed out from the fairway at the first! That should be a simple tap-in for a birdie start.

DeChambeau very nearly hit the green in two at the par-5 14th but a poor putt up the slope left him too far from the hole and he is forced to settle for a par. He’s still six under for his round but that’s a good chance gone.

The Open 2022: Rahm gets underway

13:36 , Tom Kershaw

Jon Rahm needs a special round today to force himself into contention. The Spaniard, playing alongside Harold Varner III, starts nine shots off Smith’s lead.

The Open 2022: Fleetwood moves to -7

13:32 , Tom Kershaw

It’s another birdie for Fleetwood! He’s four under par through six holes this afternoon. Ryder Cup teammate Sergio Garcia has made a great start too, with two birdies in three to go to -5.

The Open 2022: DeChambeau almost holes out for eagle

13:18 , Tom Kershaw

What a shot from DeChambeau. The American might be known for his power rather than his touch but he’s just hit an exquisite approach into the 13th that very nearly drops for eagle. That’ll be a tap-in birdie and he’ll move onto the first page of the leaderboard at -7.

Fleetwood’s fast start has continued with a birdie at the fifth. He’s already three under for his round and is now -6 for the tournament.

The Open 2022: Zalatoris birdies the first

13:12 , Tom Kershaw

Will Zalatoris finished second at the PGA Championship and the US Open. He has some ground to make up if he’s going to go one further this weekend but the American has got off to a great start with a birdie at the first to move to -5. Another rising American star Sam Burns is also at that mark after two birdies in his first three holes.

The Open 2022: Thomas stuck at -2

12:58 , Tom Kershaw

Justin Thomas was favoured by many heading into this week but trailed by 11 shots at the start of play this morning. He needed a flying start but has instead found himself stuck at -2 with one birdie and one bogey in seven holes.

Bryson DeChambeau is not having the same problem. The American has just driven the par-4 12th and will have a long putt for eagle.

The Open 2022: Fleetwood starts fast

12:49 , Tom Kershaw

Tommy Fleetwood is also off to a flying start with two birdies in his opening three holes. The Englishman is currently at -5 for the tournament.

The Open 2022: Molinari onto first page of leaderboard

12:46 , Tom Kershaw

It’s been a difficult few years for Francesco Molinari but the 2018 champion has something to smile about this afternoon. He is currently five under for his round with two holes to play.

Elsewhere, Bryson DeChambeau is four under through his opening ten holes. The American is still eight shots off Smith’s lead though.

The Open 2022: Kisner shoots 65 in early warning

12:37 , Tom Kershaw

It threatens to be another day of formidably low scoring at the Old Course, with some of the early players out this morning making significant moves up the leaderboard.

Kevin Kisner is chief among them, having started the day on even par. The American has just tapped in for a par at the last and a round of 65 to move into a tie for eighth.

It hasn’t been bad going for his playing partner Trey Mullinax either. A round of 66 puts him in a tie for 13th.

The Open 2022: Smith takes two-shot lead into moving day

10:31 , Tom Kershaw

Welcome back to The Independent’s live coverage of The Open from St Andrews.

Cameron Smith takes a two-shot lead into what promises to be another day of low scoring on the Old Course, with Cameron Young, Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland and Dustin Johnson among a host of names in hot pursuit.

The conditions are still gentle and Kevin Kisner sent out another aggressive warning this morning as the American went five under par through his opening six holes.

Nobody could match the spectacular round of Smith yesterday, though, with the Australian setting a new record at the halfway stage for an Open at St Andrews.

Cameron Smith surges into lead at The Open as Rory McIlroy remains in contention

The Open 2022: Matt Fitzpatrick on a birdie streak

17:37 , Jack Rathborn

Hatton for eagle on nine, he’s about three feet past the hole, but a birdie will take him to -8.

Three birdies in a row for Fitzpatrick, now he’s -8, could he add a Claret Jug to his US Open?

The Open 2022: Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland both make birdies

17:06 , Jack Rathborn

Wow, Hovland with a fourth birdie in as many holes, he’s up to -14.

The Norwegian is on a tear. Hatton back up to -8, as in Spieth, there are contenders galore.

McIlroy makes birdie, he’s up to -12 and two behind his playing partner.

The Open 2022: Jordan Spieth hotting up

15:59 , Jack Rathborn

Goodness, Spieth with an absolute bullet on seven.

100 feet apex and it curls around to about four feet from 371 yards away.

He misses the eagle putt, but it’s an easy birdie, he moves to -6 and soon follows that with birdie on nine, now -7 as he makes the turn.

The Open 2022: Xander Schauffele on the move

15:34 , Jack Rathborn

Xander Schauffele (-6)

A promising start for Xander, he makes it to -6 as he bids for three wins in a row.

Hatton misses his birdie putt but he’ll stay at -8.

Pieters on 16 with a horrible putt up and over the hill on 16, it’s judged superbly, he’ll stay at -8.