Australia's Herbert makes miracle shot but falls to fourth at The Open

Australian golfer Lucas Herbert experienced a dramatic shift in fortunes at The Open, falling to joint fourth place after a record-equalling second round. Herbert, who had held an overnight two-shot lead, struggled in the latter stages of his third round on Sunday.

After setting the pace early in his round, Herbert bogeyed consecutive holes at the 15th and 16th. The situation worsened at the par-five 17th, where his drive landed in thick rough, forcing a penalty drop. Faced with a difficult blind shot from 223 meters, Herbert produced what he described as "the best shot I've ever hit," managing to get his ball within six meters of the pin to salvage a par.

Despite this remarkable recovery, Herbert finished his round with a one-over par 71. This result placed him on seven under par, three shots behind the new leader, American Sam Burns. Herbert is now tied for fourth with American Ryan Gerard. The final day of play promises to be highly competitive, with the top 20 players within six shots of the lead.

American Sam Burns surged into pole position with a five-under 65, leading by two shots from South Korea's Si Woo Kim and New Zealand's Ryan Fox. Fox, who started the day in 52nd place, shot a third record-equalling 62 of the week, converting nine birdies. Other notable contenders include Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Xander Schauffele.

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I think that's the best shot I've ever hit.