Rory McIlroy two shots off lead after Wentworth eagle on 18th at BMW PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy sits two shots behind the leaders heading into the final round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth following an eagle on the 18th hole on Saturday.

The consecutive Masters winner carded a three-under 69 during his third round, positioning him in a share of sixth place alongside four other players on 11-under.

McIlroy stood at one-over through 11 holes before collecting birdies at the 12th and 17th, then delivering a moment of magic on the closing hole, where a four-iron shot from 230 yards set up a simple eagle putt.

"I think it was a day when you really had to take advantage of the par-fives, they were your scoring opportunities," McIlroy told DP World Tour media.

"The back nine, for the most part, played downwind, so there was maybe some other chances, but that front nine, I think especially by the time we teed off and some of the leaders, it was very, very difficult, very tricky to pick a club and commit to what you were doing.

"The wind was up and down a little bit, so it was hard to trust that the wind was going to do what you thought it was going to do, but I stayed as patient as I could, and then I feel like that patience was rewarded over those last few holes.

"Good birdie on 12, and then always feel like this golf course always gives you a chance to salvage maybe a tough or a frustrating day, and I was able to do that by playing those last two holes at three-under."

Spain's Manuel Elvira and Italy's Filippo Celli head into the final day as joint leaders on 13-under, while three more players – Alejandro Del Rey, JJ Spaun and Johannes Veerman – sit just one shot back on 12-under, setting up a thrilling finale on Sunday.

McIlroy is attempting to chase down Patrick Reed in pursuit of a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai crown, and he can strengthen those ambitions by claiming a second BMW PGA Championship trophy of his career on Sunday.

"Look, I've got a big opportunity tomorrow on both fronts," McIlroy added. "I'd love to win this tournament again. It's been 12 years and I have so many great memories of Wentworth in general.

"I came here for the first time I think as a 10-year-old to watch the World Matchplay all the way back in the day. It was always half-term, I always came with my mum and dad and watch this one.

"Fast-forward, I've won this event, I've played a lot here, we now have a house on the estate as well.

"This place has got a lot of history for me, so hopefully I have a good day tomorrow and give myself a real chance at it again."

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