Watson stands on the brink of history

Tom Watson stands ready to make history on the final day of the 2009 British Open on Sunday. Watson finished the third day of the tournament with a round of 71, a score that left him standing alone at the top of the leaderboard for the first time this week.

"I'm still hanging in there," Watson said. "I'm making putts when I have to. That's been a real treat for me. I made a good putt on 14 to save par, and the putt on 16 put me right back where I want to be."

On a day when swirling winds put paid to the title hopes of the likes of Padraig Harrington, Watson made his shots when they counted most, sinking a long birdie putt on the 16th before coming within inches of an eagle on the 17th.

"It was actually a very serene day," Watson said. "I stood at the first hole and said, 'I'm not as nervous as I thought I'd be.' I feel different in this tournament than other tournaments I've played. It's nice to have that feeling right now."

Mathew Goggin and Ross Fisher briefly shared the lead with Watson on Saturday, before the 1983 Open winner’s late surge saw him move clear of his youthful rivals.