McIlroy Tied with Young After Squandering Historic Lead at The Masters

Rory McIlroy's bid to defend his title at The Masters has been thrown wide open after he blew a six-shot lead, leaving him tied with Cameron Young going into the final day. McIlroy had made history with the largest 36-hole lead in the tournament's history but struggled in his third round, dropping three shots in two holes around Amen Corner. Young, meanwhile, charged up the leaderboard with a stunning seven-under 65 to grab the clubhouse lead. McIlroy responded with back-to-back birdies but a bogey on his penultimate hole pulled him back alongside Young on 11 under. Sam Burns is just a shot off the pace in third, with Shane Lowry and several other players within striking distance. McIlroy's chances of becoming the first back-to-back champion since Tiger Woods were dealt a significant blow, but he remains optimistic about his chances. 'I would have wanted 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 bolster his hopes of a maiden major. The final round is set to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, with live coverage starting at 4:30 pm on Sunday.