However, it seems unlikely that he can win the title with the imperious Tiger Woods breathing down his neck.

After Woods' splendid round of golf on Friday, it would take a brave man to back against the golfer who has dominated the sport over the last year or so.

The American always seems to have something extra when it comes to the big tournaments.

Just as people were starting to write him off, he put in a superb, controlled round to blast his way onto the leading three.

Woods is sitting on the edge of a huge piece of history and, although this puts him under even more pressure than normal, I can see only two men blocking his passage to glory.

Inspired

World number two Phil Mickelson, who stands at eight under, and David Duval, who is a shot further back, both offer a threat to the world number one.

Neither Mickelson nor Duval have previously tasted success in Majors but both look in wonderful form with two rounds remaining.

Jose Maria Olzabal and Darren Clarke are still flying the European flag.