Ryan Fox becomes latest man to equal major record but Sam Burns takes Open lead

Ryan Fox became the third man in 24 hours at Royal Birkdale to equal the lowest round in a men’s major with a 62 to book his place in the last group for Sunday’s Open final round.

The New Zealander capitalised on the best of the conditions when he teed off at 10.30am and posted the eight-under clubhouse lead, which was only surpassed by American Sam Burns in the third-last group of the day.

Burns, a five-time winner on the PGA Tour, has a highest Open finish of joint 31st, with two other places in the 40s, one in the 70s and one missed cut.

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However, he finished second at last month’s US Open and tied seventh at the Masters and has finally transformed that form to links golf with a round of 65 to get to 10 under, having become the second man this week to shoot 62 the day before.

It was an impressive performance after teeing off at 3.30pm amid the Bryson DeChambeau circus in the wake of his compatriot’s two-shot penalty controversy of Friday night and he out-scored his playing partner by six.

“It’s obviously a difficult golf course and it’s still a work in progress, (I’m) trying to execute and accept whatever happens,” said Burns, who only decided to travel on Friday after wife Caroline gave birth early to their second child, Belle, a fortnight ago.

“All I can do tomorrow is go out and play my best and see where it puts me. Whatever happens tomorrow it doesn’t define who I am.”

DeChambeau, who was roared on by an encouraging crowd, could advance his total by only one to sit six under but still in contention.

By the time that group had finished just before 8pm Fox was comfortably ensconced at home after the round of his life.

“Being picky, I’d want a