els feels the relief

By Steve Douglas, PA Sport

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Ernie Els was relieved to still be in contention for the Open title after stuttering to a one-under-par 71 in the third round at Hoylake today.

The South African managed to birdie the par-five 18th to leave himself on 12 under par, one stroke off the lead held by Tiger Woods, his partner in the day's final group.

It was a far cry from the superb 65 Els shot on yesterday and he could breathe a sigh of relief that his lapse 24 hours later had not cost him the chance to win the tournament.

"I was just a little out of sorts and I didn't feel comfortable over the ball," said the 36-year-old.

"My iron play wasn't great but I hung in there.

"I started hitting the ball better on the last four or five holes and gave myself a few opportunities but it really wasn't great. I just didn't have my rhythm today.

"But I've got to be happy with my position. I could have been out of it.

"I could have easily shot a 76 today but somehow I find myself one off the lead.

"It's got to be a bonus for me."

Els felt both the conditions and the tricky pin positions contributed to his failure to fire a low score.

"The flags were really tough today and the greens were a lot firmer than yesterday," he added.

"So it was tough getting close to the holes, even if you are hitting the ball well.

"You have to find a way of scoring if you are not playing well and that's why we practice our short game.

"When you don't play great, you've got to hang in there.

"My putter was going well and that's why I am still in it. I'd like to play a lot better tomorrow and hit a low round."

Els will play in the penultimate group tomorrow, alongside Chris DiMarco, who is also on 12 under par.