Henrik Stenson held a one-shot lead in the final round of The 145th Open Championship as he and Phil Mickelson engaged in a thrilling duel at Royal Troon.
The Swede came into round four with a one-shot advantage over his American rival and he maintained that cushion at the turn as both men put on a golfing masterclass.
They both turned in 32 as Stenson got to 16 under, with JB Holmes sitting a distant third nine shots back, two clear of Andrew Johnston and Steve Stricker.
A Stenson victory would not only make him the first Swede to win a Major Championship, it would also take him alongside Robert Karlsson as the nation's most successful European Tour player with 11 wins.
Mickelson is seeking a second Claret Jug with his triumph at Muirfield in 2013 his last win on Tour.
Mickelson struck the first blow as he put his approach to tap-in range on the first for a birdie and when Stenson left his second short of the green, there was a two-shot swing.
The five-time Major winner nearly had back-to-back gains on the second as he hit the pin with his chip and that left the door ajar for Stenson to roll in his birdie putt and get back into a share of the lead.
Both men had birdie chances on the third and while Mickelson could not take his, Stenson rolled in from 12 feet to take back the lead on his own at 13 under.
The 46 year old then produced a stunning approach to the par five fourth for an eagle and when Stenson followed him in for a birdie, the duo were tied once again.
They both took advantage of the par five sixth and while Mickelson got some good fortune after a ragged drive on the seventh, the pair remained locked together heading to the Postage Stamp.
The brilliant exhibition continued with excellent tee-shots on the par three but while Stenson rolled in his 15-footer, Mickelson could not take advantage and it was the 40 year old who led at the turn.
Holmes had three birdies in ten holes while Johnston had three birdies and three bogeys in a typically entertaining effort.
World Number Four Rory McIlroy had his best round of the week with a 67 to set the clubhouse target at four under.
