Ireland's Padraig Harrington was today hoping to live up to his own expectations in the third round of the TNT Dutch Open at Hilversum.

Harrington began the day in a tie for fifth place, six shots off the pace being set by Germany's Tobias Dier, who added a 67 to his record-equalling 60 in the first round.

It is a position Harrington has already occupied in the US Masters and Open Championship this season, and with a top-eight finish in the US Open as well, the Dubliner is setting himself high standards to live up to.

"Because I've been playing well week-in, week-out I have high expectations and that makes it tough," the Dubliner said after his second 67. "If I'm plodding along at level par I'm not happy."

Droitwich's John Bickerton was nine shots behind Dier in joint 16th on eight under par after a second round of 69.

But Evesham's Jeremy Robinson, who also had a 69, missed the cut by one shot on three under. Hereford's David Park shot 72 to leave him on five over.