Ernie keeps hopes alive

Ernie Els kept his hopes of defending his Open title alive with a last-gasp birdie at Royal St George’s.

Els birdied the 18th for a round of 72 and five-over total of 218 and is still in with a chance of becoming the first player since Tom Watson in 1983 to retain the Claret Jug.

The world number two feared his chances had gone when he drove out of bounds on the 14th and ran up a double-bogey seven.

“I had a good start and felt I was striking the ball well but I missed a lot of makeable putts and the shot on 14 really killed my chances.

“In these conditions it’s the easiest you are going to find it and I was looking for something in the 60s and was well on my way after birdies on the fourth and seventh.

“I really felt I started playing a lot better yesterday and played well again today but let’s hope for something good tomorrow.”