JUSTIN Rose is in a tie for 10th place going into the final round of the US Open after shooting a level-par score of 70 on Saturday.

However, the north Hampshire golfer, who is defending his US Open crown at Pinehurst, looks unlikely to retain his title as he trails leader Martin Kaymer by nine shots.

Despite a birdie at the first, Rose was two-over-par at the turn on Saturday thanks to a double-bogey five at the par-three ninth.

A birdie at 11 was cancelled out by a bogey at 12, but the former Robert May's School pupil birdied his next two holes to get back to level par.

The round meant he remained on +1 for the tournament but he moved up several places to a tie for 10th going into the final day. However, he looks set to lose his US Open crown to German Kaymer, who holds a five-shot leading going into the last round.

Rose will get what is likely to be his final round as US Open champion under way at 7.51pm UK time, playing alongside American Kevin Na.