Irish amateur Paul Dunne has played down his chances of securing a fairytale ending to his Open Championship at St Andrews today.
The 22-year-old - a 150/1 outsider - has defied the odds thus far as he shares a 12-under-par lead with Jason Day and 2010 champion Louis Oosthuizen after shooting a third-round 66.
In doing so, Dunne is the first amateur to lead a Major tournament with one day remaining since Bobby Jones in 1927, but the youngster says that he already feels like a winner.
"It's surreal I'm leading The Open, but I can easily believe that I shot the three scores that I shot," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "It's just lucky that it happens to be in the biggest event in the world. Hopefully I can do it again tomorrow, but whether I do or not, you know, I'll survive either way.
"It feels great. I felt like I had so much support from the crowd today. I kind of felt like I was at home. Every shot I hit was getting cheered from start to finish, so big thanks to the crowd out there.
"They kept me lifted the whole way through. It was great to play with Louis. He's obviously a great role model for me, great player, someone I look up to, so yeah, just really enjoyed it. It was such a fun day."
Masters and US Open champion Jordan Spieth, vying for a calendar grand slam of Major wins, is one stroke behind the trio, while another Irishman in Padraig Harrington sits well placed in third on 10-under.
