Scott hot in British Open but Day cools as wild weather hits Royal Troon

Australia’s two survivors of the cut in the British Open had contrasting fortunes on the treacherous Old Course at Royal Troon.

Adam Scott took full advantage of relatively benign conditions on the Ayrshire coast for early starters to resurrect a title challenge he thought was long gone.

But Jason Day saw his hopes all but disappear in the afternoon wind and rain.

Scott started at five over par, 12 shots behind overnight leader Shane Lowry, but birdied the first two holes as he set the tone for a four-under 32 to surge 41 places by the turn.

The back nine was a stiffer test, but he finished with a five-under-par 66 to head the early finishers with an even score after 54 holes.

Scott’s fellow Australian, former world No.1 Day, was one under when he started five hours later, but within two holes he was already over par having bogeyed both.

It did not get much better and after a dispiriting round in miserable conditions he ended four over after shooting 76.

Scott’s 66 was good enough for a solo clubhouse lead for 90 minutes before Justin Thomas joined him after recording a four-under round. Half-an-hour later Thriston Lawrence went past them both after a round that began in electrifying fashion with six birdies in the first eight holes.