World No.2 Adam Scott is still eyeing a comeback individual win in golf’s World Cup, inspired by memories of once reeling in an eight-shot deficit in nine holes at Royal Melbourne.
Scott shot a three-under-par third round of 68 on Saturday to move to two under overall.
He was still six shots behind Danish leader Thomas Bjorn – who had five holes to play – when he left the course.
Australia’s best hopes of victory appeared to rest with Jason Day, who was one shot of the lead with five holes left in his round, and the team competition, in which the home duo trailed the United States by just two.
But US Masters champion Scott, chasing his third straight tournament win, said while his swing wasn’t quite on song on Saturday, his putting was solid and if he could strike the ball well on Sunday, an individual triumph was possible.
“If I can get the rhythm back in for tomorrow, you never know, it could be one of those days,” Scott said.
He was adamant that if he was anything up to eight shots off the pace heading into the last day, he was still in contention.
Scott pointed to his final round of the 2004 Heineken Classic.
South African great Ernie Els, who opened that tournament with a stunning 60, started that day eight shots clear, but by halfway through the round Scott had joined him in the lead, although Els went on to win by a shot.
“That can happen around here if the wind gets up, so anything can happen,” Scott said.
“Personally I think if they’re not in double-digits (under par) I’ve still got a chance to post a number tomorrow and win this tournament.
“I’m going to have to play great to do it and I’d like to come out and hit some good shots tomorrow and give myself a chance.”