Henrik Stenson steadily plays way into contention

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Henrik Stenson reacts to a missed birdie putt on the fifth green during Saturday's third round.

Henrik Stenson hasn’t blistered the field with a low round or elicited pine-rattling roars through his first three rounds at Augusta National Golf Club.

All he’s done is put himself in position to contend for a green jacket.

After posting 71 on his 36th birthday Thursday, he repeated the number Friday and fared a little better Saturday with 2-under par 70.

Though not all that impressive by themselves, the three rounds combine for 4-under 212 and a tie for sixth place heading into today’s final round. He’s five shots behind leader Peter Hanson.

“If you are within three or four shots entering the back nine, you are always going to have a chance,” Stenson said. “We’ll see if we need to start taking more chances. I can only do the best I can with whatever game I have. If it’s enough, it’s enough.”

Stenson missed the cut at Augusta the previous two years after making it to the weekend three consecutive times.

His best finish is a tie for 17th in 2007 and 2008.