SOUTHPORT (AFP) - High winds battered the third round of the British Open on Saturday with KJ Choi and Greg Norman going out last in what looked set to be a fascinating day's play.

The forecast was for gusts of up to 50 miles per hour, raising the possibility that play could be suspended if the balls are moving on the greens.

In view of the conditions, tees on the sixth, 11th and 16th were moved forward, reducing the length of the course by a total of 159 yards and several holes were repositioned to easier spots.

Among the early starters, only US veteran Davis Love and Sweden's Henrik Stenson were able to match the Royal Birkdale par of 70.

The 2002 champion Ernie Els saw his hopes all but scuppered when he carded a four over 74 leaving him a 13 over for the tournament.

"It's been a frustrating week on the greens and when you're not making putts it's more frustrating," he said. "I had a good back nine but let it slip at the end again."

World No. 2 Phil Mickelson was also failing to make any impression and was five over through 13 holes and trailing by 14 shots.

Defending champion Padraig Harrington, who was three shots off the lead said before heading out that he would be concentrating on not making too many errors.

"In this wind it's more about making good decisions and good strategy. It's far more important what clubs you hit and what you're trying to do than the execution," he said.

"It's still a long way to go, 36 holes, so whatever happens today the main thing is to try and keep yourself in a position so you're still in there with nine holes to go tomorrow."

The US-based Korean Choi, seeking to become the first Asian to win a major at the age of 37, held a one-stroke lead at the halfway stage and was the only player under par.

Norman, at 53 looking to become the oldest winner of a major, was at even par after two battling rounds of 70.

The Australian was refusing to get carried away with the acclaim that is surrounding his sudden return to the spotlight, but he did hint that if he can stick around on the leaderboard till late Sunday afternoon, his vast wealth of experience would be a priceless advantage.

"My mind still salivates. I still cherish it, I relish it," he said of his attitude to competitive golf.

The stocky, steely-eyed Choi is one of golf's hardest workers, slowly climbing the ladder since he decided to take his chances on the US PGA Tour in 2000.

He tied for eighth at Carnoustie last year and says that he has developed over the years a close affinity with links golf.

"I feel like when I stand on the tee box I can see everything," he said.

"It just comes well into my eye. It's very easy for me to set a target and just go with it."

Norman and Choi apart, Saturday held the prospect of several other top story-lines.

Alone at one-over, colourful 26-year-old Colombian heart-throb Camilio Villegas was bidding to become the first South American to win The Open since Roberto Di Vicenzo of Argentina at nearby Hoylake in 1967.

Villegas, who had the round of the tournament so far with a 65 on Friday, has caught the eye with his aggressive style of play and contortionist antics when lining up his putts leading to him being dubbed "Spiderman."

Yet to win a tournament in the United States, Villegas only made it in to the tournament as a late replacement for the absent Kenny Perry. But he has immediately fallen in love with links golf.

"I love playing here. I love the different conditions, I love the different shots. I love the fact that you have to use your imagination and hit all those funky shots," he said.

Among those bunched on two over were defending champion Harrington, last week's Scottish Open winner Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, US Open runner-up Rocco Mediate and back-from-the-dead David Duval, the 2001 champion who has slumped to an abysmal 1087th ranking in the world.