Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy was left frustrated in his attempts to catch Race to Dubai series leader Francesco Molinari, after a poor third-round at the Nedbank Challenge, the BBC report.

The 29-year-old, who played a key role in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup win in September, could only manage a one over round of 73, leaving him 10 shots behind leader Sergio Garcia.

McIlroy needs a runners-up placement to keep his hopes of catching Molinari alive, but three bogeys in his first seven holes at Sun City left him too much to do on Saturday.

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The European did respond with two birdies during the remainder of his round, however, he is now in a share for 20th place ahead of the final round.

McIlroy currently sits eighth in the Race to Dubai series leaderboard, £1.75 million behind Molinari, with the Italian, who also played a vital role in Europe’s Ryder Cup win, set to take a £1 million lead heading into the final event.