Amateur Paul Dunne leads the 144th Open with only 18 holes left to play

Paul Dunne says it is a "surreal" feeling to be in the lead going into the final round of the 144th Open at St Andrews but it is a challenge he is looking forward to taking on.

The Irishman, 22, is the first amateur to lead the tournament after 54 holes since Bobby Jones back in 1927, who was also the last of only three amateur winners in 1930.

Dunne played alongside 2010 St Andrews winner Louis Oosthuizen on Saturday and they will be back together on Sunday after both making it to 12 under, alongside Australia's Jason Day.

But it was the youngster from Greystones, a coastal town south of Dublin, who made the headlines and found himself the focus of the golfing world's media after a superb round 66.

"It's surreal I'm leading The Open, but I can easily believe that I shot the three scores that I shot," Dunne said.

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Paul Dunne has a share of the lead going into the final day at St Andrews and his 12 under par for the tournament broke the amateur record by six shots

"It's just lucky that it happens to be in the biggest event in the world. Hopefully I can do it again tomorrow, but whether I do or not, you know, I'll survive either way.

"It feels great. I felt like I had so much support from the crowd today. I kind of felt like I was at home. Every shot I hit was getting cheered from start to finish, so big thanks to the crowd out there.

"They kept me lifted the whole way through. It was great to play with Louis. He's obviously a great role model for me, great player, someone I look up to, so yeah, just really enjoyed it. It was such a fun day."

Dunne had six birdies in his third round 66 and is tied with Louis Oosthuizen and Jason Day for top spot

Dunne also revealed his admiration for double Open champion Padraig Harrington, who he feels was his inspiration to make it in the profession.

He added: "He's been probably the most influential person in Irish golf - definitely in modern history anyway. 

"I remember watching him win the Open at Carnoustie in 2007 and 2008 at Birkdale. I've watched those videos over and over again, so has everyone in my family, I think. I've always looked up to Padraig. He's been such a great ambassador for Irish golf."

Jason Day is in contention again. Can he finally land that elusive first major?

Day, meanwhile, will be bidding to win his first major title after challenging on a number of previous occasions, including at last month's US Open despite collapsing on the final hole of his second round following an attack of vertigo.

The Australian said: "Over the last few years that I've played and been in contention at major championships, I've learnt a lot.

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Jason Day is tied for the lead after 54 holes and revealed comments from Tiger Woods, who he played with in the opening two rounds, have given him added be

"Tomorrow is going to be a tough round. There's going to be a lot of wind, there's going to be a lot of rain, there's going to be a lot of guys that are going to shoot low scores. It's a pretty tight leaderboard, there's a lot of good players that are behind us trying to chase that lead.

"It's going to be a good challenge. I think I need to just embrace it more. It's hard to stay present in situations like this, it's hard to not get out in front of yourself, especially tonight when you're thinking and you're laying in bed, even through the round tomorrow.

"That's one key that I'm going to try and do the best I can, really just focus on myself and be present as much as possible."