Spieth, Kuchar motor away from British Open pack

Jordan Spieth held a one-shot lead over Matt Kuchar after 15 holes of their third round on Saturday.

Jordan Spieth putts on the 15th green during his third round on day three of the Open Golf Championship.

Jordan Spieth held a one-shot lead over Matt Kuchar after 15 holes of their third round in the British Open at Royal Birkdale on Saturday.

Overnight leader Spieth, who began his round on six under par, picked up three birdies on the front nine before holing a putt for another birdie on the par-5 15th to move to 10 under par overall.

His fellow American and playing partner Kuchar claimed consecutive birdies at the short 14th and the 15th to move to nine under par as the chasing pack faded behind. U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka was two-under for his round and five under par overall on the 16th as rain began to fall around 7pm local time (1800 GMT) after conditions had been excellent all day.

South Africa's Branden Grace is in the clubhouse on four under par after his major championship record-breaking round of 62 earlier in the day.

Japan's World No. 2 Hideki Matsuyama is also four-under after shooting a 66 in his third round.