𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Another birdie for Fleetwood on the 12th as he sinks from four feet.

Justin Thomas also birdied, moving to -3.

A few players were threatening around the -6 mark, so we’ll check up on them.

Russell Henley is still on -6 as he takes on the final three holes, while Tony Finau and Chris Gotterup have both gained shots to sit alongside him.

Brian Harman has dropped another shot to move back there, and Harris English is going steady too.

Another update from Jack Rathborn at Royal Portrush:

The second green has just reported. Fitzpatrick, who had every right to feel a little sheepish after that start. After a thumping drive, the most exquisite chip falls into the bottom of the hole. Barely a reaction from Fitzy, who turns and nods to his caddy. A beautiful counterpunch after being rocked at the first. Back to where he began.

The crowd is gripped by this and Scheffler, seemingly aware of the seismic impact of that chip, takes an extra moment to circle his par putt. Marked, remarked. He backs away and then… misses. The gasps reverberated around this amphitheatre lined with fans clinking champagne glasses. Incredibly, we have co-leaders.

Scheffler -10, Fitzpatrick -10

He’s made up for that early bogey!

Fitzpatrick finds himself just off the green down the hill but he chips on and it runs straight in!

And Scheffler three-putts on the same hole, missing a straightforward birdie from a few feet to take par.

A difficult day for this duo, who were both expected to contend but won’t be doing so barring a miracle.

Brian Harman was in trouble on the first and produced a double bogey, but he’s back in business on the second after holing a putt from 12 feet.

Li has settled for par in both of the first two.

Hatton -5, Hojgaard -4 (3)

Hatton sets up a nice birdie chance at the third but it flies wide.

Rasmus Hojgaard misses from even closer!

Another update from Jack Rathborn at Royal Portrush:

Fitzpatrick like Spider-Man on the first green. Lying down and and outstretched, squinting to read the break.

But this one lips out, a horrid start for the Englishman, bogey and gentle encouragement from the crowd as he marches to the second. Fitzpatrick buries his head in his scorecard and scribbles down a bogey.

Scheffler -10, Fitzpatrick -8

Both of these guys set up par putts from just a few feet but Fitzpatrick is unable to convert it and has his first bogey of the day!

Another update from Jack Rathborn at Royal Portrush:

A fascinating final few minutes on the putting green between Fitzpatrick and Scheffler there.

The Englishman very relaxed, draining putts and laughing away with putting guru Phil Kenyon.

There was no sign of Scheffler until seven minutes before he teed off. Emerging by himself, with one ball, and casually draining a couple of putts before checking his phone one last time before this fascinating third round.

Both men underway now with fine tee shots and approaches to the first, but movement ahead will eventually trickle back to the pair. There’s a low one out there, just the most gentle of breezes as we reach this first green.