Campbell - pleased with performance.

Michael Campbell felt he proved he was no "flash in the pan" after a third round 69 in the Open championship at St Andrews.

Campbell was a surprise winner of the US Open a month ago, holding off the challenge of Tiger Woods amongst others at Pinehurst.

And the New Zealander was delighted to maintain that form over the Old Course to post a seven under total of 209, two behind early clubhouse leader Retief Goosen.

"To come back after winning a major championship, a month later to play so well again proves a point that I'm not just a flash in the pan," said Campbell, who led after 54 holes here in 1995 before finishing third, a shot out of the play-off between John Daly and Costantino Rocca.

"I'm here for a very long time and I want to win more majors.

"I think the hardest one is the first one and the rest will hopefully get a little easier because you always gain experience during that time.

"I did my time at Pinehurst and I'm looking forward to the next 24 hours.

"I feel very very confident. I gained a lot experience a month ago and feel the experience is going to hold me through if I'm in the running to win another major.

"I knew I was playing well enough if I stayed patient, which you've got to be around this golf course." end