Rory McIlroy seizes lead as he chases Canadian Open treble

Rory McIlroy fired a third-round 66 to take a share of the lead and set himself up with a great chance of securing a third straight Canadian Open title.

In the week when the PGA Tour unexpectedly announced a truce of sorts with the Saudi-backed 'rebel' LIV Golf set up, Holywood star McIlroy carded a flawless six-under-par round to land on -12 overall heading into the final round at Oakdale Country Club.

McIlroy picked up birdies at the third, fifth and eighth holes to make the turn in 33 strokes, and picked up three more shots on the back nine, birdieing three straight holes from the 11th. McIlroy would three-putt the par-five 18th for a par to end his day on a frustrating note, but he will fancy his chances of nabbing a first win of the calendar year.

Also on the move was England's Tommy Fleetwood, whose scintillating 64 got him to 12-under-par overall alongside McIlroy while hometown favourite, Nick Taylor, had earlier went one better with a stunning 63 to lie on 11-under.

Offalyman Shane Lowry carded a round of 70 and sits on five-under-par, good enough for a tie for 22nd.

McIlroy has won this event the last two times it was staged, in 2019 and last year, in 2022. The event was not held in 2020 or 2021 due to the Covid pandemic.

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