Former USPGA champion Davis Love III sent out an early warning to leader Jean Van de Velde in the final round at Carnoustie.

Van de Velde takes a five-shot lead into the last day after a brilliant third round of 70 yesterday.

But Love, the 1997 champion at Winged Foot, proved it was possible to make a charge over the fearsome links course as he picked up three shots in seven holes.

The Ryder Cup player birdied the second, fourth and seventh holes to get to nine over par as players enjoyed by far the easiest conditions of the week, with only a light breeze on a warm, dry day.

Love's challenge faded with two dropped shots before the turn and Colin Montgomerie's hopes of an early charge also suffered a setback.

The Scot had predicted a round of 67 would get him back in with a chance of a first major but he dropped a shot at the first after missing the fairway and finding sand with his second shot.

Van de Velde began with a par four on the first after an excellent second shot played with an awkward stance on the edge of a fairway bunker.

Playing partner Craig Parry also began with a par to stay five behind Van de Velde who found no-one really making an early move.

Tiger Woods began with three pars, Greg Norman three pars and then a bogey on the fourth and Andrew Coltart dropped a shot on the second.

Only Angel Cabrera of the later starters made an early birdie, holing from 15 feet at the third to get to seven over.