By Phil Casey, PA Sport

Former champion Justin Leonard got his wish in spectacular fashion as Muirfield bared its teeth to bring him right back into contention for the Open championship.

Leonard and playing partner Justin Rose carded matching 68s to set the early clubhouse target on two under, after beginning the day seven shots off the lead.

With 90 minutes still to go before the last group went out, they then sat back and watched as the forecasted wind and rain arrived to blow the leading groups off course, Tiger Woods' the highest profile victim with a front nine of 42.

From 50th position overnight Leonard and Rose climbed steadily up the leaderboard and could find themselves playing in the last group on Sunday.

"There are so many players between myself and what's leading I'll just have to wait and see, but conditions will have to get pretty bad," said the 1997 champion somewhat prophetically when asked after his round if was still in with a chance.

"I don't think we've seen the teeth of this course yet this week but hopefully the fellows will this afternoon now that I'm in.

"It's a wonderful golf course, I came here two years ago and played and really enjoyed it and I'm enjoying it even more this year.

"I played well today, especially on the back nine. I gave myself some chances and hit a few more fairways and continued to putt well so it was fun out there today."