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.

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.