THE OPEN RELATED STORIES The Open Home Page The Open Scores Round 4: Harrington defends Open title Round 4: Ian Poulter impresses with second place Round 4: Greg Norman proud of achievement Round 4: Henrik Stenson happy with best finish Round 3: Norman takes a two shot lead Round 2: KJ Choi edges a shot clear at halfway Round 1: Late starters share first round lead Course Guide: Royal Birkdale 2008 European Tour Schedule Open Champions 1860-2007 Tee Times and Pairings Prize Fund/Purse Open Championship scoring and other records Open Championship quotes - Wise and witty words about golf's oldest Championship Wind the biggest threat at Royal Birkdale Injuries aboud around the 137th Open Without Tiger many look to score Major success Unhappy John Daly back at The Open Kenny Perry defends absence Justin Rose returns to scene of 1998 drama Padraig Harrington still a doubt Sergio Garcia favourite for The Open Tiger Woods the hot topic of conversation Lee Westwood praises Royal Birkdale Graeme McDowell looking to continue good form Players puzzled by Kenny Perry's absence Wrist worry for Padraig Harrington Phil Mickelson dodges the Tiger factor Green Royal Birkdale greets players Open not devalued by Tiger absence says O'Meara Furyk confident of better Royal Birkdale fortunes Phil Mickelson confident of adding to Major tally Luke Donald out of Open with wrist injury Justin Rose looking forward not back 137th Open Championship Summary GREAT GIFTS FOR GOLFERS Huge savings on Festive gifts! A golf break in France - just £89! Half Price Golf Vouchers Take 10 shots off your scores! Best Value Golf Insurance

Wild weather expected on Saturday

Fierce winds are expected to give leader K.J. Choi and the chasing pack a battering in the British Open third round later on Saturday.

Scores are likely to soar after weather forecasters said Royal Birkdale would be hit by blustery showers and gusts of up to 72-kph (45-mph).

“The forecast is awful,” former world number two Jim Furyk told reporters. “It is going to be very difficult to attack.”

South Korean Choi, on one-under-par 139, starts with a one-stroke advantage over 53-year-old Australian Greg Norman who is attempting to become the oldest winner of a major.

Colombian Camilo Villegas is a further shot adrift in third place while Furyk and holder Padraig Harrington of Ireland lead a host of players on 142.

Also on two over are rejuvenated former world number one David Duval, U.S. Open runner-up Rocco Mediate, last week’s Scottish Open champion Graeme McDowell, Australian Robert Allenby and Alexander Noren of Sweden.