Despite carding three birdies and a crucial up and down par on 18, Rory McIlroy was left to rue some missed opportunities on the back nine as he fell three shots adrift of Matteo Manassero heading into the final round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
McIlroy carded an impressive six-under 66 to move to 15 under for the tournament but it was made to look rather ordinary by Italy’s Manassero who roared three clear of McIlroy and Billy Horschel with a 63 to reach eighteen-under.
Manassero – who won the title at Wentworth in 2013 – could complete a sensational comeback on Sunday at a venue where he completed his most famous win to date.
Billy Horschel enjoyed a stunning run of seven-straight birdies in his 65 that also sees him within touching distance of a second victory here.
“It was good,” reflected McIlroy who is hunting a second BMW PGA title and first since 2014.
“The course was playing easier, we had preferred lies and with the rain it played quite soft so very receptive.”
McIlroy rarely looked in trouble and he shared the lead after an eagle on the 4th and birdie on 7. After two birdies in three holes to start his back nine a charge to the clubhouse never got off the ground with his next birdie coming on 17 before he got up and down on 18 for par after finding the water with his 2nd shot.
“I felt I weathered a storm the first few holes and then played solidly after that, didn’t make too many mistakes, had a few chances I let slip on the back nine. Trying to keep up with Matteo, happy with the day,” added McIlroy who would love to end a run of near misses.
“Since I won here in 2014, I’ve had a few good chances I’ve let slip by. Yeah, given myself another chance to win this championship. I’m basically a resident at Wentworth now. Building a house here, too. I love it here. It would be amazing to get my name on the trophy again.”
Manassero has already won on the DP World Tour since coming back to the top level having fallen to the Alps Tour in recent seasons and he is aware of the magnitude of what he could achieve on Sunday.
“It was really fun, one of those rounds and days that make for a perfect Saturday. Being out with Rory and Bill was really fun,” said Manassero.
“It would be amazing to win here again tomorrow. Thinking of difficult years and thinking back, to even be standing here right now with a lead feels amazing.
“My perspective has changed, I’m going to go out and enjoy tomorrow because I’m facing a fun day.”