McIlroy takes share of lead in Korea

Rory McIlroy climbed into a share of the third round lead at the Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open today with a four-under-par 67.

McIlroy made an explosive start to the day with five birdies in a row from the second and though the 20-year-old struggled to replicate that coming home, bogeying the 10th and 12th, he recovered with a birdie on the 18th to top the leaderboard alongside Kim Dae-sub.

McIlroy, ranked 24th in the world, has a three-day total of seven-under-par 206 at the second event on the OneAsia Tour.

“Obviously I had a great start today,” he said. “You need to start well on this course. If I can get to four or five under on the front nine I will have a chance. “I am driving the ball really well.”

Kim had led for much of the day but dropped a shot on the 17th and returned to the clubhouse with two under 69 at the Woo Jeung Hills Golf Club.

Defending champion Bae Sang-moon of South Korea is a shot behind the leaders following a 65.

Overnight leader Michael Wright dropped three shots off the pace after the Australian carded a 76 while Japanese teenager Ryo Ishikawa is five behind following a 72.