Owen ended his third round with two birdies in three holes

The Briton, who is now based in the US, had to abandon his warm-up after he started getting muscle spasms but still carded six birdies in a four-under 68.

"I was always a starter. Whether I would have finished is another matter," said Owen, who outscored playing partner Phil Mickelson by five shots.

"The physios did a good job and luckily the muscles stayed loose and warm."

Highlights: The Open third round

Owen later revealed he will seek out top back specialist Tom Boers in America after receiving some advice from Mickelson.

"He has worked with Steffi Graf and other top sports people," said Owen. "Phil recommends him highly."

He is a gentleman and a true star of the game Owen on Phil Mickelson

Owen was full of praise for Mickelson - and not just because he told him about Boers.

"It is always a pleasure to be with Phil. I would love to play alongside him every week," said the Briton.

"We have only been paired together once before at Pebble Beach - my third US PGA tour event. We got on great that day.

"He is a gentleman and a true star of the game. I wish him the best for every tournament he plays in.

"He is wonderful person and so much fun on the course."

Robert Rock, who surprisingly led the home challenge into the third round, managed only a 73 and fell into the pack from his overnight eighth place.

The world number 503, who survived a seven-hole play-off to earn a place in the field, faced an uphill struggle from the time he double-bogeyed the second and bogeyed the third.

Luke Donald never really got going after carding a bogey five at the first and recorded a 73 to leave him way down the field on one under.

"I thought I had a good chance going into the event as I have had a good year," he said. "But I have not quite figured it out here just like some of the other British players.

"I am not sure why we are behind the Americans and the foreign players. Perhaps we put too much pressure on ourselves."

Andrew Marshall was the first player out in the third round and posted a fine 68 to reach five under.

The 32-year-old from Norfolk, whose birdie at the last on Friday evening took the cut out to one under, began at 0820 BST with a marker for company.

He also carded six birdies and said: "I was average but chipped and putted well."