Rory McIlroy is on the verge of etching his name into the record books after a stunning third-round showing at the Masters. (More Sports News)
McIlroy, who crumbled at the end of the first round, went into Saturday's play at Augusta National trailing overnight leader Justin Rose by three shots.
Yet the Northern Irishman headed back into the clubhouse holding a two-stroke lead, having served up one of his best major rounds.
However, he will have to hold off the challenge of Bryson DeChambeau, who nailed a long-range putt on the 18th to tee up an intriguing final day.
It is now seven rounds of 66 or better at Augusta for McIlroy, with only Tiger Woods holding more such rounds at the famous course.
He also became the first player in Masters history to start with three straight threes.
McIlroy birdied three of the opening five holes and sunk an eagle on the second, and despite bogeying on the eighth and 10th, the four-time major champion rallied with some exceptional shots down the stretch.
The 35-year-old, who is aiming to become just the sixth player to win the career Grand Slam, birdied the 13th and claimed another eagle on the 15th, tying his best tally of eagles in a single round at a major.
"A dream start, just making a three on one, the chip-in on two, it was about time I did it," McIlroy said.
"I got off to the best start, you're trying to keep it going. The course got pretty difficult towards the end. A little wobble around the turn but I played a solid back nine."
McIlroy is leading after 54 holes of a major for the first time since 2014.
From the five previous occasions, McIlroy has gone on to triumph four times. The only time he did not win from such a situation was when he finished T15th at the 2011 Masters.
McIlroy's thunder was stolen somewhat, though, by a sensational finish from DeChambeau.
The American birdied the 16th and 18th, with his exquisite putt on the last sending the fans into pandemonium.바카라 웹사이트
DeChambeau rounded out with 69, on 10 under par and two shots back from McIlroy, who he will be paired with for the first time at a major on Sunday.
"That's what dreams are made of. Two behind, I couldn't ask for more. I've got more work to do on the range, I'm super focused and excited for the challenge ahead," said DeChambeau, who came out on top in that extraordinary tussle with McIlroy at last year's U.S. Open.
Corey Conners carded 70바카라 웹사이트to finish on eight under, with Patrick Reed and Ludvig Aberg tied for fourth.
Reigning champion Scottie Scheffler endured a difficult day, going round in 72. He sits on five under par, alongside Rose, whose hopes of a major Masters title may have faded after he carded a three-over바카라 웹사이트75.
