Ernie Els has admitted that he is feeling better about his chances at the US Open than he was on the early holes of the third round.

After five holes Els was seven over before recovering remarkably to hit his second sub-70 round of the week, which included an astonishing 50-yard eagle on the 17th.

The South African said that he was "in a much better mood now than [he] was on the sixth tee", and is pleased to be in with a chance of winning.

"Even if I'm within four shots that's a great chance. I think that if you get it into the red numbers, you'll win this tournament."

Els is currently just three shots behind the lead on two over.