Chesters' sights firmly on strong Open finish
Shropshire's Ashley Chesters continued his outstanding form at The Open on a day where the amateurs shone at St Andrews.
The golfer, who plays out of Hawkstone Park, finished the third day's play on six-under par, just six shots off the lead .
Incredibly the score wasn't enough to see Chesters finish as the highest placed amateur, with Irishman Paul Dunne heading into today's fourth and final round tied for the lead.
A non-professional winner hasn't won the Claret Jug since 1930 but Dunne is now a genuine contender after carding a score of 66 yesterday.
He resumes today on 12 under par and is tied with Jason Day from Australia and South African Louis Oosthuizen.
Chesters' round yesterday saw him birdie holes two, three, eight and 18 as well as eagle the par five fifth.
His only bogey came on hole 17.
The 26-year-old is the third highest placed amateur in the tournament behind Dunne and American Jordan Niebrugge who yesterday shot a 67 to finish on nine under.
Chesters, who is European Amateur Champion, is no stranger to Open success having missed the cut by just a single shot last year at Hoylake.
He celebrated making the cut at this year's Open by dedicating the achievement to his family and friends.
The final round of the Open resumes today after long delays caused by high winds and heavy rain.
It is only the second time in the tournament's history that play will finish on a Monday.
Play resumes with only three shots separating the top 14 players.
They include American Jordan Spieth who is one shot off the lead as he looks to claim his third major title in a row. He is followed by Ireland's two-time Open champion Pádraig Harrington at 10 under.
Danny Willett and Justin Rose are the highest placed Englishmen, a further stroke back, where they are joined by Sergio García, Zach Johnson, Retief Goosen, Robert Streb, Marc Leishman and Adam Scott.
