Clarke by one heading into final round

Darren Clarke will start the final round at St George's with a one-shot advantage over Dustin Johnson

Darren Clarke
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke takes a one-shot lead into the final round of The Open at Royal St George's on Sunday.

The 42-year-old battled the blustery winds and heavy rain in the morning to fire a one-under 69 that took him to -5 and the outright lead.

American Dustin Johnson moved into second after sharing the joint best round of the day, a 68, with fellow countryman Rickie Fowler who finished strongly as the conditions started to improve.

Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez carded to a two-over 72 to finish one under alongside joint overnight leader Lucas Glover who remains in the mix despite missing a string of short putts.

World number six Phil Mickelson is at level par and still well in contention with American Anthony Kim, Davis Love, world number three Martin Kaymer, Anders Hansen and South African George Coetzee.

However, US Open champion Rory McIlroy struggled to a round of 74, which included a double-bogey seven after going out of bounds at the 14th, to end on four over.

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