SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Greg Norman, aiming to become golf's oldest major winner, will keep a close eye on the reigning champion in the final round of the British Open later on Sunday.

"Padraig Harrington played well on Saturday to get in the position he's in," the 53-year-old Australian told reporters after posting a level-par 72 for a two-over total of 212 at Royal Birkdale.

"He has played the last 36 holes extremely well," added Norman, referring to the Irishman's wind-defying rounds of 68 and 72.

Part-time professional Norman, who these days plays more tennis with his wife Chris Evert than he does golf, is bidding to eclipse American Julius Boros who was 48 when he won the 1968 U.S. PGA Championship.

Former world number one Norman will begin Sunday's final round with a two-stroke lead over Harrington and world number 11 KJ Choi of South Korea.

A further shot adrift in fourth place is Briton Simon Wakefield while Ben Curtis, Anthony Kim, Ross Fisher of Britain and Swede Alexander Noren are on 217 in the 137th edition of golf's oldest championship.

(Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)

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