Scheffler keeps Masters challengers at bay but Smith gives himself a shot

It felt for so much of day three that Augusta National yearned for something even resembling a contest. It was Scottie Scheffler’s job to ensure one did not ensue. For 17 holes, he was a man in complete control of all around him. What happened next offers hope. There may be a thrilling Masters denouement after all.

There will be no sixth Green Jacket for Tiger Woods. Not at this attempt, anyway. Those who flocked to Georgia in search of yet another Woods redemption tale have been left disappointed. Freakishly cold weather and Scheffler’s powerful frontrunning added to an unavoidable sense of deflation. Plenty of polite applause, precious little roaring. Until, that is, Scheffler pulled his drive at the last into bushes.

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Scheffler is the world No 1 and a player in outstanding form but perhaps he lacks the presence or panache as would so appeal to the galleries. He goes about his business in a functional manner. Maybe it is as simple as attendees wanting to witness a proper battle. As Scheffler stood firm, pretenders swung and missed. Curious things can happen on the final day, on the final nine, at Augusta National but for so long this major has been Scheffler’s to lose.

He will carry a three-shot lead, over Cameron Smith, into the last 18 holes. Scheffler posted a third round of 71 to edge to nine under par. Intrigue surrounds the impact of what transpired at the last – Scheffler eventually rescued a five on the par four – and whether Smith, an Augusta specialist, can rattle his opponent.

An example of the earlier inability of others to meaningfully challenge Scheffler was provided by Charl Schwartzel. The South African, a past