Martin Kaymer stumbled but did not fall yesterday at Pinehurst and remains on course to win the US Open.

The German couldn’t match the record breaking level of performance he showed on Thursday and Friday, but he was able to maintain a 5 shot lead going into the final day with a 5 shot lead.

Kaymer had carded 65 in each of his first two rounds to put him 10 under. A 72 yesterday could have signalled a collapse when compared with the first two days, but the reality was that only 2 players in the entire field broke par (70) as the USGA set the course up with extremely testing pin positions.

Erik Compton and Rickie Fowler are Kaymer’s nearest challengers, tied in second on 3 under.

Rory McIlroy’s faint hopes of a challenge ended yesterday with a 4 over 74. Graeme McDowell is 3 back on 7 over.