Dustin Johnson began his penultimate round in The Open on Sunday knowing he may well need a low score to retain the lead he has held since day one.

With the severe gusts that forced a 10-and-a-half-hour delay on the previous day giving way to much calmer conditions at St Andrews, those out early took advantage of plentiful birdie opportunities.

Marc Leishman made the most notable move, getting to within one of Johnson courtesy of a superb 64 - the lowest round of the week so far.

However, on a softened Old Course offering few barriers to low scoring, Leishman was far from the only man to prosper.

By the time Johnson - sat on 10-under par following rounds of 65 and 69 - headed to the first tee with playing partner Danny Willett (-9), Masters and U.S. Open champion Jordan Spieth was within three of the lead following two birdies in the first five holes.

Eddie Pepperell briefly joined Johnson at 10 under with his eighth gain of the day, only to slice his drive out of bounds at the 17th. The young Englishman parred the last for a 66 that left him two off the pace, alongside Paul Lawrie and Robert Streb.

Rickie Fowler went round in 66 to join the likes of Spieth, Adam Scott and Louis Oosthuizen at seven under. Two-time Open champion Padraig Harrington was alongside them after turning in 32.

Leishman was eight under through 15 holes on Sunday and looked well placed to at least equal the record score in major championships of 63.

However, the Australian missed makeable birdie putts on 16 and 17, before coming up short with his pitch to 18 and having to settle for par.