Scott Hend has given himself a chance of a last-minute entry into the Open Championship next week by making a run in the third round of the Scottish Open at Gullane.
Hend carded a third-round 63 to vault into a tie for second place, a shot from the lead, in the European Tour event.
The top three players at Gullane who have not previously qualified for Carnoustie next week will be given a start in the Open.
Sweden’s Jens Dantorp leads the Scottish Open at 13-under par. Queenslander Hend is at 13-under in a group that includes American Rickie Fowler and New Zealander Ryan Fox, who was beaten in a playoff just last week.
Meanwhile New South Welshman Matt Jones in contention on the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic.
Jones is 16-under through three rounds in Illinois.
He is six shots from the lead held by Michael Kim of the United States.