Irish amateur Dunne proves a St Andrews sensation

Irish amateur Paul Dunne is in contention to become the first amateur to win the British Open for 85 years after a sensational third-round display sent him rocketing into a tie for the lead on Sunday.

The 22-year-old joined 2010 St Andrews winner Louis Oosthuizen and experienced Australian Jason Day on 12 under par after firing a remarkably composed third-round, six under par 66, his third sub-70 round of the week.

"It's surreal I'm leading the Open but I can easily believe I shot the three scores I shot," Dunne told reporters after heading the best of the world's pros into Monday's final round.

"If we were playing an amateur event here I wouldn't be too surprised by the scores I shot. It's just lucky that it happens to be in the biggest event in the world.

"Hopefully I can do it again tomorrow but whether I do or not, you know, I'll survive either way."

Dunne, who won a place at golf's oldest major through final qualifying, explained how he went about plotting his way towards potential glory.

"I kind of picked conservative enough targets that gave me room either side and then attacked with my irons and tried to give myself chances," said the Irishman who is looking to become the first amateur winner of the Open since Bobby Jones in 1930 and only the fourth in its 155-year history

"I went out there thinking that if I could play sensible and keep the bogeys off my card you're going to have so many opportunities for birdie you're bound to make some. I was really pleased to keep the bogeys off the card."

Dunne thanked the galleries for their backing, and playing partner Oosthuizen.

"I felt like I had so much support from the crowd, I kind of felt like I was at home," he said. "Every shot I hit was getting cheered from start to finish so big thanks to the crowd.

"They kept me lifted the whole way through. It was great to play with Louis today, he's obviously a great role model for me, great player, someone I look up to."