The Open Championship, St Andrews, 15-18 July Coverage: Live on BBC TV, Red Button, BBC Sport website, with updates on BBC Radio 5 live Full coverage details
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McIlroy satisfied with third-round 69
Rory McIlroy bounced back from his nightmare 80 on Friday to shoot a three-under-par 69 in the third round of the Open at St Andrews.
The Holywood player moved to four under and is three strokes better than US Open champion Graeme McDowell, who struggled to a 76.
Darren Clarke also had a disappointing day, with a 77 leaving him one over.
Shane Lowry (71) is four under and Colm Moriarty (72) one over while Louis Oosthuizen led on 15 under.
McIlroy led after a superb 63 in the first round but plummeted down the field as the wind blew on Friday.
Saturday's round included six birdies, a bogey and a double bogey at the notorious 17th.
"I'm still slightly disappointed. I made six at 17 but apart from that I've played well today," said McIlroy.
"I just felt that it was a new day, conditions weren't as bad as they were yesterday. I just went out there and tried to do better than yesterday.
"There was a lot of support. You get clapped down the fairway and that really helps."
McDowell, who began the day at five under, slipped out of contention after a round featuring five bogeys and a double bogey at the 17th.
Clarke, playing with his close friend Tiger Woods, had a day to forget after a dismal round, which culminated in a seven at the 17th.
Lowry dropped just one shot in his entire round and finished with a birdie on the 18th to give him momentum going into the final round.
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