Thongchai Jaidee is close to making history as Asia’s first major winner as he heads into the final round four shots behind Tom Watson.
The 12-time Asian Tour winner carded a one-under-par 69 for a three-day total of even-par 210 to make the final round a nail biting affair for his fans across Asia.
"I've been receiving many text messages from people congratulating me and giving me lots of encouragement. I know many people are watching me back home and I cannot let them down," said Thongchai who is currently leading the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
The Thai's major quest began with even pars in his opening four holes before a birdie on the fifth ignited his title charge as sunshine returned to the Ailsa Course in Turnberry.
Further birdies on the seventh and ninth surged Thongchai up the leaderboard to tied-ninth.
However, the 39-year-old Thai could not continue the birdie streak in his inward nine. He committed bogeys on 10th, 14th and 16th before getting a shot back on the 17th.
"There were a lot of spectators walking across the fairway and I got distracted. Especially on the 14th, after I set up my shot and was ready to putt, I had to walk back again to read the lie," said Thongchai.
Thongchai looks set to complete a memorable week after the pressure of making the weekend cut is off. He is also in a position of making the 138th edition of the British Open his best Open result since his tied-52nd finish at St. Andrews in 2005
"Making the cut at a major has always been the target that I've set. Now that I've made it, the pressure is off and I want to make my country proud," said Thongchai.
The last time Asia came close to a major winner was at Royal Birkdale in 1971 where Lu Liang-huan of Chinese Taipei finished runner-up to American Lee Trevino.
While Thongchai maybe too young to remember that significant sporting moment as he was about two years old then, he knows that he is 18 holes away for a place in Asia's history books.
"I'm enjoying myself this week. I've been playing well and an even-par score after three rounds is good. I'll continue to do my best tomorrow," said Thongchai.
The Open already has its upset with world number one Tiger Woods missing the cut in a major championship for only the second time as a professional.
Thongchai who will start his final round in tied-eighth, could continue to upset the form book.
"In a links course like this, anybody can win it. The weather can be good one day and bad the other. You never know who will win until the last putt," said Thongchai.
Asian Tour honorary member Vijay Singh of Fiji meanwhile added a 75 to his previous rounds of 67 and 70 to take tied-14th on 212.
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