McIlroy in hunt for first win since Masters at Irish Open
DUBLIN: Rory McIlroy remained in contention for his first tournament triumph since the US Masters after a bogey-free 68 on Saturday left him four shots off the lead heading into the final round of the Irish Open. McIlroy, who completed a career Grand Slam of major titles at Augusta National in April, carded four birdies to stay in touch with France’s Adrien Saddier, who also posted a round of 68 at the par 72, 7,441-yard, K Club course near Dublin. Italian Open champion Saddier led by a shot from Angel Hidalgo, who carded 12 birdies in a superb nine-under round of 63 that catapulted the Spaniard into title contention. Another Spaniard, Alfredo Garcia-Heredia fired a 67 to sit three shots off the pace, but overnight leader Joakim Lagergren slipped to four back with a round 73. McIlroy, bidding to win his second Irish Open title, was unhappy despite a second consecutive round without a bogey. “As I was walking off the 18th green, I said to Harry (Diamond, his caddie), this is probably the most frustrating four-under par round of golf I’ve played in a while,” said the Northern Irishman. The 36-year-old McIlroy, the world number two added: “I feel like all day I was just trying to keep myself in a close position to the lead. I feel like I could be a couple of shots better, but overall I’m still in a decent position going into tomorrow.” An elated Hidalgo, who equalled a European Tour record by becoming the 12th player to card 12 birdies in a single round, said: “I really feel for a few moments I was playing the PlayStation, to be honest.