Watson claims outright lead

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Harrington's third round of 76 left the defending champion nine over par and 14 shots off the lead, too much to overcome even for a man who wiped out a six-shot deficit going into the final round at Carnoustie in 2007.

At the start of the week a victory for 59-year-old Watson looked equally unlikely, but the five-time champion remains a genuine contender for a sixth Open title. He began his third round today with two solid pars to claim the outright lead as playing partner Steve Marino - the Open rookie playing his first links golf - dropped a shot on the second.

At five under par, Watson was one clear of Marino and double US Open champion Retief Goosen, with England's Ross Fisher, Japan's Kenichi Kuboya and 1989 champion Mark Calcavecchia another stroke back.

On another tough day for scoring, American Bryce Molder had set the clubhouse target on level par after five birdies on his last 11 holes to card a superb 67.