Ashish guides Maisha to victory

Martin Kaymer, who had been near-flawless with his golf over the first two days, survived three early bogeys and a faltering finish to lead the US Open by five shots after Saturday's third round.

In pursuit of his second major title, the 29-year-old German conjured a miraculous eagle at the par-five fifth on the way to a two-over-par 72 in blazing sunshine at Pinehurst Resort where scoring was at its most difficult for the week.

With very little margin for error on approach shots into domed greens running increasingly fast and firm, Kaymer bogeyed two of his last six holes but sank a six-foot birdie putt at the 18th for an eight-under total of 202 in the year's second major.

Kaymer, a commanding six strokes clear overnight after setting a US Open low for 36 holes with a 10-under aggregate of 130, finished five ahead of Americans Rickie Fowler and Erik Compton, whose 67s were the best of the round.

Swedish world number two Henrik Stenson and long-hitting American Dustin Johnson were a further shot back at two under after carding 70s on a day when Fowler and Compton were the only players in the 67-man field to dip under par.

Reigning champion Justin Rose of England inched his way back up the leaderboard with an even-par 70 to end what is traditionally known as 'Moving Day' at the majors at one over, nine strokes off the pace.

Australian world number one Adam Scott (73) and 2011 winner Rory McIlroy (74) did not fare as well as they finished a further two shots back at three-over 213.

Leading scores (After 54 holes, US unless mentioned): 202: Martin Kaymer (Ger, 65, 65, 72); 207: Erik Compton (72, 68, 67), Rickie Fowler (70, 70, 67); 208: Henrik Stenson (Sui, 69, 69, 70), Dustin Johnson (69, 69, 70); 209: Brandt Snedeker (69, 68, 72); 210: Kevin Na (68, 69, 73), Matt Ku­char (69, 70, 71), Brooks Koepka (70, 68, 72); 211: Brendon De Jonge (Zim 68, 70, 73), Justin Rose (Bri, 72, 69, 70), Chris Kirk (71, 68, 72), Jordan Spieth (69, 70, 72).