Defending champion Jordan Spieth has share of lead at The Open

American Jordan Spieth has a share of The Open lead courtesy of an excellent third round at Carnoustie.

Spieth - bidding to become the first man since 2008 to retain the Claret Jug - posted a six-under 65 to sit at nine-under alongside Xander Schauffele and his housemate Kevin Kisner after day three.

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood are both currently on five-under, while Tiger Woods - without a Major since the 2008 US Open - is also in contention alongside McIlroy and Fleetwood courtesy of his lowest round at a Major since 2011.

Kevin Chappell birdied the last to post a 67 and finish the third round on seven-under, which put him one ahead of Italian Francesco Molinari in fifth.

Overnight joint-leader Zach Johnson is also in the pack with Woods, McIllroy and Fleetwood.

THE OPEN LEADERBOARD AFTER ROUND 3

1. Jordan Spieth (-9) 1. Xander Schauffele (-9) 1. Kevin Kisner (-9) 4. Kevin Chappell (-7) 5. Francesco Molinari (-6)