Olazabal relishes battle with Tiger

Jose Maria Olazabal is relishing his final day battle with Tiger Woods in the Open championship at St Andrews.

Olazabal carded a third round 68 today – the highlight of which was a 40ft eagle putt on the 12th – for a 10 under par total of 206.

That meant the double Masters champion would partner Woods in the final match on Sunday afternoon after the world number one struggled to a 71 to finish 12 under.

“I was very relaxed the first two days playing alongside Tiger and Robert Allenby,” said Olazabal, who could become the first European to win a major since Paul Lawrie’s Open victory at Carnoustie in 1999.

“I’ve always said I have no problem playing with Tiger. It might be harder if we were playing in the States because the crowds are louder and once Tiger has played everybody moves, but that’s not the case here and that’s why I think Open crowds are the best.”

Olazabal was initially only the first reserve for the Open, but secured his place in the field when former Ryder Cup partner Seve Ballesteros was forced to pull out with injury.

And the 39-year-old admitted that partly explained his relaxed attitude around the Old Course this week.

He added: “I failed to qualify at Sunningdale and thought my only chance was to be the leading player not already exempt at the Scottish Open. I thought the chances were very slim.

“It’s an honour to be here at St Andrews because I have a lot of respect for the golf course and all that it means and just being part of it this year is wonderful.

“I’m not sure I’m going to be as relaxed if I’m leading the event teeing off the 17th tomorrow, that’s for sure. But I’ll try to have as much fun as possible.

“There’s always pressure but if you can manage to enjoy what you are doing that’s a great step forward.”

After the Open at St Andrews in 1995 Olazabal was forced out of the game for almost two years by a misdiagnosed injury which left him unable to get out of bed.

But he returned to the game to win his second Masters title in 1999 and he added: “I’ve always said those two years were the toughest of my life. I was watching golf on TV thinking I might never play again.

“I truly believe I’m a privileged person and a fortunate one.”