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Page last updated at 22:42 GMT, Saturday, 14 March 2009

Poor finish hits McIlroy's hopes

Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy has shot into the top 20 rankings in the world

Rory McIlroy is six shots off the lead going into the final day of the WGC-CA Championship in Florida.

The Northern Ireland teenager had a disappointing finish with bogeys at the 14th, 15th and 17th in settling for a level-par 72 on the third day.

Americans Phil Mickelson and Nick Watney are joint leaders by four shots on 16 under par.

Padraig Harrington is eight under after a 71, Darren Clarke level after a 71 and Graeme McDowell (70) is one over.

McIlroy, the youngest player in the field and bidding to become the youngest tournament winner in USPGA Tour history at the age of 19 years, 10 months and 12 days, had been going well at 13 under before that run of three bogeys in four holes dropped him back to 10 under.

McIlroy, though, stayed composed at the final hole to make par for a round of 72 to give himself a fighting chance on the last day on the same mark as Australia's Rod Pampling and American Justin Leonard.

"It was a pretty difficult day out there and I thought I was doing very well," McIlroy said.

"I just let a few slip at the end. It could have been better but I am still there or thereabouts."



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