Title contender Furyk cannot wait for Sunday

By Patrick Johnston

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - Former major winner Jim Furyk was excited after a level-par 70 in the British Open third round put him in contention to lift the Claret Jug.

On a blustery Saturday at Turnberry's Ailsa Course, scoring proved difficult with American Furyk one of only seven players ending the day under-par for the championship.

"I felt like I played a real good round," the 2003 U.S. Open champion told reporters after posting a one-under 209 total.

"Even-par got me closer to the lead ... and gives me an opportunity to wake up tomorrow with a chance to win the Open.

"I'm excited about the round. It is an opportunity and you always look forward to an opportunity," said the 39-year-old after finishing three adrift of shock leader Tom Watson, 59.

After a bogey at the par-five seventh, world number nine Furyk recovered with a birdie at the par-four 13th.

"I did a good job of making some good saves and some good putts," he said.

"I putted real well from eight feet and less today. I kept my round going at quite a few key moments and that's what you've got to do."