Sam Burns has positioned himself as the man to beat at the US Open, holding a one-shot lead as the tournament heads into its final round at Oakmont Country Club. The 28-year-old American carded a solid one-under 69 in the third round, maintaining his overnight lead and moving to four under par for the championship.

JJ Spaun, Burns' playing partner, was level for much of the round but bogeyed the final hole to finish one shot back at three under. Meanwhile, Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, made a decisive move on the back nine, carding a three-under 67 to join Spaun at three under par. Scott, who is seeking his second major title, birdied the 13th, 14th, and 17th holes to briefly tie for the lead.

Viktor Hovland of Norway remains a threat, finishing at level par after a rollercoaster round that included two tree hits and a flagstick strike. Hovland’s miraculous shot out of the rough on the 17th hole earned him a crucial birdie, keeping him in contention.

Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre lead the British challenge, with Hatton carding an impressive 68 to move to one over par, while MacIntyre sits at three over after a 69. Both players are in search of their first major title and remain hopeful of making a late charge.

Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, carded his best round of the week with a level-par 70 but remains eight shots off the lead. Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, struggled with a 74, leaving him at 10 over par and effectively out of contention.

Key Highlights:

• Sam Burns leads at four under par after a steady third round.
• Adam Scott and JJ Spaun are just one shot back at three under.
• Viktor Hovland remains in contention despite a challenging round.
• Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre lead the British charge.

Final Round Expectations: The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion at Oakmont, with Burns looking to secure his first major title. However, with experienced players like Scott and Spaun breathing down his neck, and the ever-dangerous Hovland lurking, the final round promises to be a nail-biter. Can Burns hold his nerve, or will one of the chasing pack mount a late surge to claim the US Open crown?