Rory leads weather-hit Malaysian Open

Updated on: 17 April,2011 08:49 AM IST |
AFP |

A resurgent Rory McIlroy moved two shots clear of the pack at the weather-hit Malaysian Open on Saturday as the Northern Irishman braced ahead of a marathon last day

A resurgent Rory McIlroy moved two shots clear of the pack at the weather-hit Malaysian Open on Saturday as the Northern Irishman braced ahead of a marathon last day.

Rory McIlory plays a shot on the second hole in Round Three of the
Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Pic/AFP

The 21-year-old holed an eight-foot birdie putt on the ninth in near darkness at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club to move to 12-under for the championship before play was suspended.

There had been a lengthy suspension earlier in the day because of the temperamental weather in the Malaysian capital. Frenchman Gregory Bourdy charged into contention by negotiating 14 holes of his third round in six under to lie in joint second place on 10-under in the $2.5-million showpiece.

"It's a solid start," said McIlroy, who is keen to recover after his spectacular collapse at the Augusta Masters. "I could have been two or three shots better off but it's nice to hole that putt on the ninth and finish on a positive note. I've still got the lead. It's going to be a long day tomorrow," said McIlroy, who had to kill time at the club's bowling alley waiting for his third round.