Golfer Lahiri squanders good start to settle for 71

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.