McIlroy Vows to Improve in Pursuit of Masters Title

Rory McIlroy has acknowledged that he needs to elevate his performance if he is to successfully defend his Masters title on the final day, following a disappointing third round that saw him relinquish a six-shot lead. McIlroy's one-over par 73 on Saturday enabled Players champion Cameron Young to draw level with him at 11 under. The Northern Irishman struggled with his iron play, hitting just 10 of the 18 greens in regulation, and made three bogeys, including a double bogey at the 11th after finding the water. In a post-round interview with Sky Sports Golf, McIlroy stated, 'I knew today wasn't going to be easy, given the quality of the chasing pack.' Despite his lackluster display, McIlroy remains optimistic about his chances, saying, 'I still have a great chance... I'm in the final group, which is exactly where you want to be.' McIlroy's victory last year marked the end of an 11-year major drought and completed his career Grand Slam. He is determined to draw upon that experience to inform his approach on Sunday. McIlroy noted, 'I'd like to think that I'll play a little bit freer and I'll play like I've already got a green jacket, which I do.' Sky Sports Golf's Rich Beem believes McIlroy's resilience will enable him to put the disappointment of losing his lead on Saturday behind him and focus on the final round. Beem observed, 'He's got such a great mindset to just forget, forget exactly what happened the day before, or even two or three holes ago.' Live coverage of the final round begins at 4:30pm on Sunday on Sky Sports Golf.