McIlroy Tied with Young after Historic Collapse at The Masters

Rory McIlroy's bid for back-to-back Masters titles hit a snag as he squandered a record six-shot lead, ending the third round tied with Cameron Young. McIlroy, who began the weekend with the largest 36-hole advantage in tournament history, struggled on Saturday, dropping three strokes in two holes around Amen Corner. Meanwhile, Young surged from eight shots back to take the clubhouse lead with a stunning 7-under 65. McIlroy rebounded with consecutive birdies but bogeyed his penultimate hole, leaving him tied with Young at 11 under. Sam Burns is just a stroke behind, while Shane Lowry, who carded a hole-in-one, is among eight players within four shots of the lead. McIlroy's collapse began with a two-shot swing at the first hole, where he bogeyed and Burns birdied. Although McIlroy briefly regained momentum with a birdie at the third, he struggled to maintain his advantage. Young, playing five groups ahead, reached the turn in 32 and started his back nine with a birdie, eventually taking the outright lead. McIlroy's chances of reclaiming the top spot were boosted when he birdied the 14th and 15th holes, but a bogey at the 17th pulled him back alongside Young. '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.' Young's impressive round included eight birdies and a lone bogey, while Burns posted a blemish-free 68 to stay in contention. The final round begins on Sunday, with live coverage starting at 4:30 pm on Sky Sports Golf.