Rory moves ahead

Rory McIlroy today charged into the lead in the final round of the Dunhill Links Championship with a brilliant front nine of 30 at soggy St Andrews.

Northern Ireland’s McIlroy started the day five shots behind compatriot Michael Hoey, but carded four birdies and an eagle to move to 19 under par.

The US Open champion birdied the second and then holed his second shot to the par-four third for an eagle two, his approach pitching past the flag but spinning back into the hole.

Further birdies at the sixth, seventh and ninth took McIlroy out in 30 and into a one-shot lead over Hoey, another countryman Graeme McDowell – the man he succeeded as US Open champion – and Scotland’s George Murray.

McDowell was three under for his round after seven holes while Murray almost matched McIlroy’s outward nine, five birdies taking him out in 31.

Overnight leader Hoey had carded two birdies and two bogeys in eight holes to remain 18 under.