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World No.1 bang in contention at halfway point of this year’s Open

Looking good: Tiger Woods is a great position to make a challenge for his 15th major

Tiger Woods’ five-year barren run in the majors could be over in the next 48 hours, with the world No.1 sitting just a shot behind leader Miguel Angel Jimenez ahead of the third round of this year’s Open Championship.

Woods, without a victory in golf’s marquee events since the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines, will play today in the second last group alongside England’s Lee Westwood and, with playing conditions very similar to the last time he won the Open, at Hoylake in 2006, some people are suggesting this is looking like it could be Tiger’s time. He, however, is refusing to take anything for granted.

“I’ve just got to continue plodding along, being patient and putting the ball in the right spots,” said Woods. “We’re not getting a whole lot of opportunities out there but, when I have, I’ve been able to capitalise and hopefully I can continue doing that.

“This is going to be a difficult one if the wind continues to come out of the east like the forecast is saying and it may be a little bit cooler which will mean a little more humidity in the air. It’s going to be a big test.”

Woods has put himself in the frame to win several majors since his last victory in 2008 without ever actually crossing the finish line. However, he insists that has nothing to do with wanting it too much.

“I’m not going to win every major I play in but certainly I can try and put myself there,” he said. “If I give myself enough opportunities, I’ll get my share and I think I have so far in my career.

“I’ve put myself there , I just haven’t won. I’ve had chances on the back nine on many of those Sundays. It’s just one of those things where I haven’t got it but I just have to keep putting myself up there.”