Peter Lonard is well poised going into the final day of the British Open after a one-under par 70 took him to within four shots of the lead.

Lonard will start the fourth round at Royal St George's as the leading Australian on a three-over par total of 216, still in touch with leader Thomas Bjorn who is one-under.

Stuart Appleby is the next best Australian on four-over after shooting an even par third round 71, while Open debutant Mathew Goggin shot a 70 to sit at five-over.

None of the other Australians have any chance, with Peter Fowler's 70 taking him to seven-over while Greg Norman and Robert Allenby both fell to nine-over with 74s and Craig Parry also tumbled to nine-over after a 76.

Stephen Leaney shot himself out of the tournament with a 78 and a three round total of 15-over par 228.

Bjorn holds a one shot lead over halfway leader Davis Love who shot one-over par 72.

A group of five players, including Tiger Woods, are on one-over with Philip Price and SK Ho on two over.

Lonard had three birdies in the front nine to go to one-over but got caught around the turn with bogeys at eight and 11 before parring out the rest of the course.

He sits in equal 10th with rounds of 73-73-70 but said even though the course was still incredibly tough, it was possible to haul five shots in.

"It depends on the weather, if it's like this you've got a chance," he said.

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