30 Nov 2014

McIlroy still alive in Sydney despite collapse

8:45 am on 30 November 2014

There's a three-way tie atop the leaderboard at the Australian Open after three rounds in Sydney, while defending champion Rory McIlroy is six strokes behind after a spectacular two-hole meltdown.

Rory McIlroy in action in his dismal second round in Sydney

Rory McIlroy in action in his dismal second round in Sydney Photo: PHOTOSPORT

World number one McIlroy dropped a combined five shots at the ninth and 10th holes but even a five over par 76 left him just six shots off the pace going into Sunday's final round.

Locals Brett Rumford and Greg Chalmers share a one-shot lead with American tyro Jordan Spieth on five under par.

Greg Chalmers at the New Zealand PGA Championship, 2007

Greg Chalmers is a two-time former champion contesting his sixth tournament in six weeks Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Adam Scott is one stroke back alongside another Australian, Rod Pampling.

Aucklander Ryan Fox is the best of the New Zealanders on even par in a share of ninth.