McIlroy Tied with Young After Surrendering Historic Lead at The Masters

Rory McIlroy's bid for back-to-back Masters titles suffered a significant setback as he squandered a record six-shot lead, leaving him tied with Cameron Young heading into the final day. McIlroy, who began the weekend with the largest 36-hole lead in tournament history, saw his chances of joining an elite group of champions take a hit on a dramatic Saturday at Augusta National. Young charged into contention with a stunning seven-under 65, while McIlroy struggled to maintain his pace, dropping three shots in two holes around Amen Corner. Despite a late surge with back-to-back birdies, McIlroy bogeyed his penultimate hole to finish with a 73, leaving him level with Young on 11 under. Sam Burns is just a shot off the lead in third, while Shane Lowry, who fired a hole-in-one during his third-round 68, is among eight players within four strokes of the lead. McIlroy's day began with a two-shot swing in favor of his playing partner Burns, but he regained momentum with a birdie at the third. However, he failed to capitalize on his opportunities, scrambling pars on several holes and failing to birdie the par-five eighth. Young, playing five groups ahead, closed the gap with a strong front nine and briefly took the outright lead before McIlroy edged back ahead. The Northern Irishman's double-bogey at the 11th and another dropped shot at the 12th handed Young the advantage, but McIlroy responded with birdies at the 14th and 15th to pull level. 'I'd have liked to be in a better position, but I still have a great chance,' McIlroy said. 'I'm in the final group, which is where you want to be. I wish I had a bit more of a cushion, but I'll need to be better tomorrow.' Young's impressive 65, which included eight birdies and a lone bogey, has set up a thrilling final day, with live coverage beginning at 4:30 pm on Sunday on Sky Sports Golf.