Ernie Els within two of lead at Quicken Loans National

25 June 2016 10:54

Four-time major winner Ernie Els kept himself in contention for a first victory in exactly three years with a third-round 65 at the Quicken Loans National.

The South African's effort was the best of the day and moved him to within two of leader Billy Hurley III, whom he will partner in Sunday's final group at Congressional Golf and Country Club in Bethesda.

Els' round sparked into life at the sixth, where he registered the first of three birdies in a row, but the real boost came at the par-four 12th where the 46-year-old holed his 157-yard approach with a nine iron for an eagle two.

A 25-foot birdie putt at the 14th took him to six under for his round and 13 under overall.

Hurley's round was less spectacular but his 67 did just enough to keep him out in front on 15 under.

Spaniard Jon Rahm, who had shared the 36-hole lead with Hurley, had to settle for a one-under 70, and will start the final round three back.

With places up for grabs at next month's Open Championship - which Els has won twice - for the four highest finishers not already qualified Australian Aaron Baddeley and American Wes Roach catapulted themselves into the top 10 with rounds of 66.

Source: PA