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Tom Watson atop British Open leaderboard

American Tom Watson walks past the lighthouse on the third day of the 138th British Open Championship in Turnberry, England on July 18, 2009. (UPI Photo/Hugo Philpott)
1 of 4 | American Tom Watson walks past the lighthouse on the third day of the 138th British Open Championship in Turnberry, England on July 18, 2009. (UPI Photo/Hugo Philpott) | License Photo

TURNBERRY, Scotland, July 18 (UPI) -- Tom Watson is clinging to a one-stroke lead through 54 holes at the PGA Tour's British Open golf tournament in Turnberry, Scotland.

Watson, 59, shot 1-over-par 71 Saturday, but took advantage of the poorer rounds shot by earlier starters when he drained a long birdie putt at the 16th, two-putted for birdie at 17 and closed with a par. Watson had entered the day's play tied for first with Steve Marino.

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His 54-hole total, 4-under 206, leads Ross Fisher (70) and unheralded Mathew Goggin (69).

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I could win," said Watson, who will attempt Sunday to win the Open Championship a sixth time. "I feel good about what I did today (and) I feel good about my game plan."

Lee Westwood (70) and Retief Goosen (71) share fourth place at 2-under 208.

Stuart Cink (71) and Jim Furyk (70) are tied for sixth at 1-under 209.

Marino shot a 76 and is 1-over 211, tied for 10th with Richard S. Johnson (69), Boo Weekley (72) and Angel Cabrera (72).

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