Golfer Lahiri squanders good start at British Open

Anirban Lahiri at the 2015 British Open

St. Andrews (Scotland), July 19 (IANS) Three bogeys on the back nine halted Anirban Lahiri's charge as the Indian golfer settled for a one-under 71 in the third round of the 144th British Open at the Old Course here on Sunday.

After his round, world No.58 Lahiri was tied 26th with a three-day total of six-under 210. The current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader earlier made 69 and 70 in the first two rounds respectively.

Bengaluru-based Lahiri, who is playing in his sixth Major, went off to a rollicking start as he birdied the par-four first hole. He scored more birdies on the fourth, ninth and 11th holes.

However, two consecutive bogeys on the par-four 13th and par-five 14th marred the 28-year-old's effort. He also dropped a shot on the par-four 17th, thereby setting with a 71 in the third round of the oldest Major.

Irish Paul Dunne (66), South African Louis Oosthuizen (67) and Australian Jason Day (67) shared the lead at the top with identical 54-hole totals of 12-under 204.

Reigning Masters and US Open champion Jordan Spieth (66) was one shot back while Padraig Harrington, who scored 65, was fifth with a total of 10-under 206.