McIlroy pulls himself back into contention at BMW Championship

Rory McIlroy keeps BMW Championship hopes alive with strong third round of five-under par in St Louis; the Masters champion has been looking for a response after labouring to an eight-over finish in Memphis last week

Rory McIlroy pulled himself back into contention at the BMW Championship with a strong finish for a five-under par third round in St Louis.

McIlroy has been looking for a response after labouring to an eight-over finish at last week's St Jude Championship, and shot a fine six-under opening round for a share of the lead, before following that up with a 69 on Friday.

The back-to-back Masters champion again appeared in steady form during the front nine on Saturday, turning at one under after a birdie on the par-three second before another on 11.

World No 2 McIlroy then stepped things up with a run of four birdies from the 13th, sandwiched by a bogey at 14.

The Northern Irishman found both bunkers with his opening two shots on the 18th, but then almost chipped in with a fine recovery effort before saving par.

McIlroy finished the day at 12 under, looking to keep pace with Wyndham Clark, whose own strong back nine was pulling him clear at 17 under.

Patrick Cantlay was alongside McIlroy at 12 under, with Gary Woodland and Chris Gotterup a shot further back.

JJ Spaun, though, saw his challenge fade fast after dropping to two over.

World No 1 Scottie Scheffler - who had coasted to an impressive victory at last week's St Jude Championship, but was two over after a first-round 72 - sits in a group on five under after his 68.

Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland

Live coverage of the BMW Championship concludes on Sunday from 5pm on Sky Sports Golf and 7.30pm on Sky Sports Main Event. Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW