Golf: Delighted Nobilo in position to challenge

CARNOUSTIE - New Zealand golfer Frank Nobilo was ecstatic with his third round of the British Open championship, breaking par for the first time on the tough Carnoustie course.

Nobilo recorded a one-under-par 70 that left New Zealand's sole surviving competitor in the 128th British Open at nine-over par, nine shots from the lead and in ninth-equal place.

After two rounds of 76, Nobilo made a bright start to the third, parring Carnoustie's first four holes before grabbing a birdie on the par-four fifth.

He managed another birdie at the par-three eighth when he hit a seven iron from 180m to 6m from the pin.

He bogeyed nine and 10 before getting back on track with birdies at 13 and 14. His only other blemish was a bogey at 17.

"I'm ecstatic because I knew after a couple of 76s it was a case of being out of the tournament, but I just hoped the leaders didn't get too far away," Nobilo said. "But I also didn't expect to shoot something like I did today.

"I might never play this golf course again, so to break par, well, I'm ecstatic."

Nobilo, who came into the event struggling in confidence, is now poised for a top-15 finish or better, a result that would guarantee him a place in the 2000 British Open at St Andrews.

"I was thinking yesterday that if I could shoot 72 or something like that it would be great, but I had a two-foot return putt on 16 and that's about as nervous as I've been for a long time in a tournament," he said.

"It just feels so great to have a great round, especially on a championship course and in a major. I haven't done that for some time.

"To do it today, makes you feel that whatever happens tomorrow makes for a good week."

While Nobilo was delighted, his New Zealand-born caddie was in pain. Anthony Knight tore the ligaments in his right foot, the result of an ingrown toenail.

He battled with Nobilo's bag and was off to the course doctor as soon as the round was over. - NZPA