Ernie Els insists he is not owed anything on Sunday as he tries to make it third time lucky in the majors this year.

Els was pipped to a first Masters title by Phil Mickelson's birdie on the 72nd hole at Augusta and was in the last group on the final day at the US Open before crashing to a closing 80.

The world number two has another chance at Royal Troon to claim a fourth major title as he trails surprise leader Todd Hamilton by just two shots going into the final round.

But asked if he was due a change of luck, the South African said: "I don't think you can look at it like that.

"At Augusta I played well and got beat. At Shinnecock Hills I played crap and got a top 10 finish!

"I really came close at the Masters but got beat by Phil who played great. If that happens tomorrow you walk away and try again. Maybe it goes my way tomorrow.

"I have to play at my best and hope for the best. This is a helluva leaderboard with quality players and some new guys that really want to break through. It's set for quite a finish."

Els and Mickelson have both been in contention at this year's first two majors and the 34-year-old added: "At this stage of our careers we live and breath for these tournaments.

"Phil has changed his game, tightened his swing and is really playing the type of game that's going to get him into contention.

"If he plays like this the rest of his career he can compete in every major because he has so much talent. He has found a way to play major championship golf."

Els looked to be slipping out of the frame when he bogeyed the 11th to drop back to four under par but birdied three of the next four holes to claim second place on seven under.

"You would like to be leading but I'm right there only one shot behind," he added.

"A lead right now doesn't mean much. Anyone within four shots has a legitimate chance of winning."

Hamilton carded the best round of the day with a flawless 67 to lead a star-studded field in his fourth Open championship.

The 38-year-old has won 11 times in Asia but needed nine visits to the US Tour qualifying school to get his card before winning the Honda Classic earlier this year.

Els, who played with Hamilton today, added: "I know Todd from Japan, he is quite a star over there.

"He was maybe a surprise to you guys when he won the Honda but from a players' point of view he has always been a really quality player.

"He has a good game for this course, he hits it low and it seems like he was brought up on this type of golf. He's going to be tough to beat."