Daly sparkles amid Ryder Cup fear

Daly's score could have been even better had he made the most of all his putting chances. "But you won't find me complaining," he said, before making his excuses and heading for the shops. He explained: "I've got to go. My wife, Sherrie, says everyone back home wants a cuckoo clock. So I guess that's my afternoon taken care of."

Sergio Garcia spent his afternoon on the practice putting green after carding a five-under-par 67 that was fraught with frustration.

The 21-year-old Spaniard has already been assured of a wildcard place in the European Ryder Cup team to be announced by captain Sam Torrance at the conclusion of Sunday's final round.

But Garcia is determined to play his way into the top 10 in the rankings that will earn automatic selection, and that will require a better putting performance tomorrow.

"I probably missed eight opportunities for birdie (including one from just two feet at the 10th) and that is a lot of chances," he said.

At least he still managed to return a low number. Others in the last-minute scramble for a place at The Belfry next month appeared to be feeling the pressure.

Ian Poulter, the 25-year-old from Luton who is 11th in the points table, posted a one-over 73.

Spain's JosÈ Maria Olazabal, who made six Ryder Cup appearances, was two under and German Bernhard Langer three under.