Phil Mickelson mounted a last round charge at the British Open on Monday, but it was to all intents and purposes too late for him to win a second crown.

The 2013 champion was six under through 16 holes which took him to 10 under for the tournament, and two shots off the lead.

But with the leaders yet to go off and low scoring the order of the day, the veteran American knew that his effort would be in vain.

Three players were tied for the lead at 12 under - 2010 champion at St Andrews Louis Oosthuizen, Australian shotmaker Jason Day and Irish amateur Paul Dunne.

Jordan Spieth, seeking a third straight major win, was alone in second a shot back.

Two-time former winner Padraig Harrington was at 10 under and nine players were bunched a further shot back, including major winners Adam Scott, Retief Goosen and Justin Rose. Sergio Garcia was also on that mark.

US amateur Oliver Schniederjans, like Mickelson, was six under for his round after 15 holes and at 10 under, while Luke Donald was five under and also 10 under after 12 holes.
Source: AFP