Barnes looks to hold nerve

US Open co-leader Ricky Barnes will resume his bid for major success today confident he can keep his nerves in check over the most important 16 and a half holes of his golfing life.

The American, looking to record his first tournament victory as a professional in the second major of the year, is tied for the lead at seven under with compatriot Lucas Glover, five shots clear of a gathering pack including Phil Mickelson, David Duval and England’s Ross Fisher, and with Tiger Woods looming in the distance at level par.