McIlroy Tied with Young After Historic Collapse 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, finishing the third round tied with Cameron Young. McIlroy, who started the weekend with the largest 36-hole lead in tournament history, struggled on Saturday, dropping three strokes in two holes around Amen Corner. Young, meanwhile, surged into contention with a stunning seven-under 65, grabbing the clubhouse lead. McIlroy recovered with consecutive birdies from the 14th but bogeyed his penultimate hole, leaving him level with Young on 11 under. Sam Burns is just a shot off the pace in third, while Shane Lowry, who carded a hole-in-one, is among eight players within four strokes of the lead. World No 1 Scottie Scheffler also charged back into contention with a 65. McIlroy's collapse began with a two-shot swing at the first, where he made bogey and Burns birdied. Reed also made a strong start with three consecutive birdies, reducing McIlroy's advantage to two. However, McIlroy regained momentum with a two-putt birdie at the third, only to struggle around Amen Corner. Young, playing five groups ahead, reached the turn in 32 and started his second nine with a birdie, eventually taking the outright lead. McIlroy fought back with back-to-back birdies from the 14th but bogeyed his final hole, pulling 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. I wish I had a bit more of a cushion, but I'll need to be better tomorrow.' Young's 65 included eight birdies and a lone bogey, while Burns posted a blemish-free 68 to bolster his hopes of a maiden major. Lowry, who became the first player to post multiple aces at The Masters, is just two back. The final round begins at 4:30 pm on Sunday, with full coverage on Sky Sports Golf.