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Englishman Wakefield eyeing Open glory

19/07/2008

England's Simon Wakefield admitted that he "might not sleep tonight" after he put himself in contention to be crowned Open champion tomorrow.

The 34-year-old defied high winds to card an excellent third round 70 which put him at five-over-par and he is only three shots off leader Greg Norman.

The world number 252 has never lifted a European Tour event in his career, but if he continues to perform like he has so far this week, then the Open just might be his first major trophy.

"It's bizarre. It's a long way off my mind (wining the Open) at the moment. There's lots of golf to be played and it's a world-class field," said Wakefield.

"I might not sleep tonight. It's very unfamiliar territory. I've led a tournament going into the final round - at the Johnnie Walker Championship last year - so I've been in the situation but obviously not in a major championship.

"I'm just going to try and relax tonight, get some sleep and not think about it, although that's tough to do. The crowd have been magnificent and I'm sure they will carry me around."

The main obstacles Wakefield will have to overcome tomorrow are the experienced duo of Norman and defending champion Padraig Harrington. Norman carded a third round 72 to take the overall lead at two-over, while Harrington is in second place on four-over.

If Wakefield, who is playing at Royal Birkdale for the first time in his career, was to win the Open, then not only would it mean a winner's cheque of £750,000, but he would also find himself with a great chance of making the European Ryder Cup team.