Golf: Campbell one stroke off lead in Scottish Open

LOCH LOMOND - Michael Campbell is on the verge of ending a year-long drought after moving into third place, just one stroke from the lead, on the third day of the Scottish Open golf championship at Loch Lomond.

The New Zealand No 1 carded a flawless eight-under 63 to trail Australian Marcus Fraser and Frenchman Gregory Havret.

Fraser, 24, who won last year's Russian Open in Moscow, dropped one stroke in a seven-under 64 before being joined by Havret in the lead.

Havret, a former Italian Open winner, carded a 66.

England's David Howell had a 67 to finish a stroke behind Campbell on 12 under. Australian Peter Lonard is next best at 11 under after a 66.

Defending champion Ernie Els is among five players, including fellow past Loch Lomond winners Tom Lehman and Thomas Bjorn, a shot further back on 10 under.

Campbell has improved with each round this week, returning earlier scores of 70 and 67 as he seeks a first win in Scotland.

His third round 63 included three birdies in succession from the second hole, with the standout being a 15m putt for birdie at the par-four fourth hole, moments after he had played a bunker shot to less than a metre for birdie at the third.

Campbell birdied the sixth and 10th holes before back-to-back birdies at 13 and 14.

He parred the next three holes but ended the round in rousing fashion by hitting a seven iron - his second shot - to just 2m at the par-four 18th, before rolling in the birdie putt.

Campbell's round was his best by one stroke since his sizzling eight-under par 64 on the first day of the Heineken Classic at Royal Melbourne in February.

He walked from Loch Lomond's 18th green to a standing ovation.

"That was just fantastic," Campbell said. "It was one of those rounds of golf I didn't want to stop.

"I did miss a few putts coming in but it was a good solid round. I have got myself into contention and that was the main goal today."

Campbell's charge could not have come at a better time this season, particularly with the British Open to begin on Thursday.

It has been a fortnight short of a year since Campbell last tasted success, at the Irish Open at Portmarnock. His best result this year was fifth behind Els in Melbourne.

"I've won before and I know how to win and whatever happens, this week has been an enormous lift for me," he said.

"It could not have come at a better time in the season as I head into next week's British Open."

Wairarapa's Stephen Scahill carded a four under 67 to move into a share of 17th spot on six under.

- NZPA