Hoylake, United Kingdom | AFP | Saturday 7/23/2023 – 01:17

by Kieran CANNING

Masters champion Jon Rahm hit eight birdies in a course-record 63 to haul himself into contention for the British Open on Saturday as overnight leader Brian Harman steadied himself after a shaky start.

With persistent rain softening up the Royal Liverpool course for a day of low scoring, Rahm took full advantage, picking up six shots on the back nine to surge into a share of second place.

The world number three was joined on six under par by Australia's Jason Day and American Cameron Young, who was runner-up at last year's British Open at St Andrews.

Rahm, 28, narrowly avoided missing the cut on Friday following rounds of 74 and 70.

But he bounced back in spectacular fashion — missing out on matching the lowest score in major championship history by a single shot.

"That's the best round I have played on a links course ever," he said.

Rahm was frustrated by the brutality of Royal Liverpool's 82 bunkers during his first round and missed four short putts in his second as he sneaked into the weekend at two over par.

"It feels really good, but it's a lot of work to do tomorrow," added the Spaniard, who is seeking his third major.

– Pressure –

Harman, ranked 26th in the world, pulled clear of the field with a stunning six-under-par second round of 65 on Saturday to move to 10 under.

He stumbled early on Saturday, bogeying two of his first four holes, but steadied himself, sinking two birdies, at the fifth and ninth, to restore a four-shot lead.