Ireland’s Shane Lowry tried to grasp what position he is in after taking command of the 148th Open at Royal Portrush.

Roared on by a capacity crowd, Lowry carded a stunning third round of 63 to finish 16 under par, four shots ahead of England’s Tommy Fleetwood.

“No matter what happens I’m going to be either standing there with the trophy or it’s going to be a disappointing day,” the 32-year-old said after his third round.

“And it’s going to be the same thing tomorrow. Yeah, maybe that’s why it doesn’t… it’s weird to say it doesn’t mean as much, because it’s not far off. But like, if you know what I’m saying, that’s kind of the way… I don’t really know what I’m saying, to be honest.

“It’s been a long day, lads. You get me?”