THIRD-ROUND LEADERBOARD GB&Ire unless stated -11 J van de Velde (Fra) -9 P Linhart (Spa) -8 J Sandelin (Swe), D McGrane, L Slattery, S Wakefield -7 G Houston, M Persson (Swe), T Whitehouse Selected others: -6 N Fasth (Swe) -2 B Dredge, P Lawrie

The 39-year-old, who has come back from two knee operations, had three birdies and two bogeys to go 11 under par.

That left him two shots clear of the field after a high-scoring day's play.

Spain's Pedro Linhart is second, a shot clear of four players including England pair Lee Slattery and Simon Wakefield and overnight leader Jarno Sandelin.

Van de Velde, renowned for the triple bogey at the last that cost him the 1999 Open at Carnoustie, was thrilled by his position.

"It is very exciting," he said. "To be in this position is what you hope and dream of.

"A lot of people would love to be in my shoes. That is why we practice so hard.

The first guy I am going to have to beat out there on Sunday is me Jean van de Velde

"Of course it is not going to be easy. The first guy I am going to have to beat out there on Sunday is me.

"Then we will see but that is the excitement of it. Goodness knows what will happen."

Slattery's 66 was the round of the day as a host of the leading contenders struggled to fire low scores in the blustery conditions.

However, Wakefield was left to rue a last-hole bogey in a round of 68, after finding the rough with his tee shot.

"That left a bit of a sour taste," he said.

"But is is nice to make a move the right way for a change. I felt comfortable out there, even though it was very windy."