Henley had been the co-leader at the halfway mark of the event with Richard Bland on five-under-par.

The Canadian achieved four birdies during his round but each was nullified by a bogey, as he carded an even par round.

Bland, who yesterday became the oldest man to lead the US Open at the halfway stage, saw his challenge falter.

The 48-year-old Englishman ended with a six-over-par round to drop to 21st place in the standings.

Hughes and Oosthuizen boosted their hopes after the duo finished with three and one-under par rounds on the third day of the tournament.

Oosthuizen earned a share of the lead heading into the final day by achieving a 50 yard putt for an eagle on the 18th hole.

The South African is hoping to earn a second major of his career after winning The Open Championship back in 2010.

Oosthuizen finished as the runner-up at the US Open in 2015.

He has two second placed finishes at the PGA Championship and a runner-up finished at the Masters.

Henley and Hughes will be targeted a first major title of their careers, with the latter already in uncharted territory having made the cut at the US Open for the first time.

The co-leaders will have the pressure of being chased by 2011 US Open champion Rory McIlroy and last year’s winner Bryson DeChambeau.

McIlroy shot a four-under 67 to mark the anniversary of winning the event 10-years ago, as the Northern Irishman moved to two shots off the lead.

He was joined by DeChambeau, with the American three-under-par for the day.

Spain’s Jon Rahm and Americans Scottie Scheffler and Matthew Wolf lie in joint sixth place, four shots of the lead.

The trio will hope to mount a charge on the final day tomorrow.