EDDIE Pepperell dropped two shots in the final three holes to slip backwards at The Open Championship.
The golfer from Abingdon carded a level par 71 at Carnoustie.
It saw him stay at one-under for the championship heading into Sunday's final round, seven shots behind the leaders - who were still out on the course.
Pepperell began the day inside the top 20 and got off to a perfect start with a birdie at the first hole.
A run of 12 pars followed, before the Frilford Heath member picked up another birdie at the par five 14th to reach three-under for the tournament.
But on the tough closing holes he slipped back, dropping shots at the 16th and 18th.
It leaves him just outside the top 30, but on course to beat his previous result at The Open - joint 49th place at St Andrews in 2015.
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