Rory McIlroy grabs Australian Open title on the final green

 

Rory McIlroy pipped Adam Scott to victory in the Australian Open to claim his first tournament victory of 2013.

Scott was leading by one shot with just the 72nd hole to play, but a bogey combined with a birdie from McIlroy denied him the chance to win the Australian 'Triple Crown'.

McIlroy trailed by four shots going into the final round with the pair going head-to-head on the final day at Royal Sydney, the rest of the field needing a miracle to get into contention.

The former world No 1 made a big move on the seventh with an eagle and drew level with Scott when he birdied the eighth.

Scott edged ahead again but made a series of mistakes down the stretch, leaving McIlroy the chance to stay in touch.

And he made a club selection error at the last, hitting his approach way over the green and failing to make par, leaving McIlroy with the chance to win a second Australian Open, a chance he took with aplomb.

"I am gutted, I felt like I never had a better chance to win the Australian Open," Scott said. "It was going to be a tough day, Rory made his move and I just couldn't get my putts in."

"Adam congratulated me on the green. It was hard not to feel some guilt in the way that I won it," said McIlroy.

"To be able to play your best golf when you need to, when you're under pressure, you can't ask for more. The perfect scenario was to achieve a win before the end of the season and thankfully I have done that."

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Alfred Dunhill Championship: Charl Schwartzel takes two-shot lead at Leopard Creek

 

Defending champion Charl Schwartzel took control of the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek on Saturday as he opened up a two-shot lead in the third round.

The man who won this event 12 months ago by an amazing 12 shots showed once again that he loves the track in his native South Africa and is again the man to beat going into Sunday's final round.

Former Masters champion Schwartzel went from a share of the lead to outright leader as he carded a five-under third round of 67 to move to 13-under for the tournament and lead Richard Finch by two shots.

 

Schwartzel started the day in a share of the lead with Denmark's Morten Orum Madsen, a player he lost out to in a final-round battle for the South African Open last week.

But while Madsen got off to a nightmare start with bogeys at the first two holes, Schwartzel birdied the par-five second and then made a potentially decisive move around the turn.

A superb approach to the eighth left the South African with a tap-in birdie and another followed from six feet on the ninth to be out in 32.

Birdies

Further birdies on the 12th and 13th took Schwartzel to 13 under par and a two-shot lead over England's Finch, who responded superbly with his 67 coming on the back of finishing the second bogey, bogey, double-bogey on Friday.

France's Victor Riu dropped a late shot but still recorded the third five-under round of 67 in the leading trio as he closed on ten-under to take sole possession of third place.

"I played a lot better today than the first two days," said Schwartzel. "I felt far more comfortable and I played a lot more aggressive - there were still a couple of holes I didn't feel that comfortable so just settled for pars to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

"I gave myself a lot of chances but the greens very late in the afternoon have a few spikes marks and the ball is bouncing around a lot so it's hard to make a lot of putts.

"I've got a two shot lead and today I kept the scoreboard ticking over and if I can do that tomorrow that will put the pressure on those chasing me so they'll have to earn the right to beat me."

Madsen had a nightmare day following his opening two bogeys - adding five more and one double against just two birdies in his seven-over round of 79 that dropped him back down to one-over for the event.

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Australian Open: Adam Scott closes on 'triple crown'; Rory McIlroy four behind

 

Adam Scott is four ahead of Rory McIlroy going into the final round of the Australian Open after a four-under 68 on Saturday.

Scott needs victory at Royal Sydney to complete his country's 'triple crown' having won the Australian PGA and Masters in recent weeks.

Starting the day two ahead of nearest challenger McIlroy, Scott moved clear with a front nine that featured four birdies, including three in a row from the seventh.

 

He started the back nine with a bogey but picked up further shots at the 14th and 18th to get to 16-under-par overall.

"It's an exciting position to be in, obviously a great chance to win my national championship tomorrow," said Scott.

"And then also win the three events down here which is an unbelievable spot to be in. If you'd told me a month ago, I wouldn't have believed you.

"One round to go but a lot can happen. It's a phenomenon playing behind me and I'm sure he's going to throw plenty at me... but as long as the eye stays in with the putter, I think I should hold on."

Rallied

Northern Ireland's McIlroy, the former world No 1 without a tournament win in 2013, was five behind after a bogey at the fourth was followed by a double-bogey at the next.

But he rallied with four birdies and no bogeys during the remainder of a two-under 70 that left him on 12-under-par, although he did miss a short birdie putt at the 18th.

 

"I played a good back nine, it could have been a couple better, I felt I left a couple out there," said McIlroy.

On his chances of catching Scott on Sunday, he added: "(It's possible) on this golf course, where there can be a lot of two-shot swings and someone makes a couple of pars and someone gets off to a fast start and makes a birdie and an eagle and you're right back in it.

"There's plenty of chances out there and it's just a matter of taking your opportunities when they come."

The final round is set up for a head-to-head battle as McIlroy is four ahead of a trio of Australians sharing third place, Max McCardle (69), Matt Jones (72) and Richard Green (73).

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England's Charley Hull remains in contention, just a shot off the pace, at the Hero Women's Indian Open.

 

Defending champion Charl Schwartzel and last week's winner Morten Orum Madsen are tied for the halfway lead in the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

The duo share top spot at Leopard Creek Country Club in South Africa after posting eight-under - a shot clear of England's Ross Fisher and Madsen's fellow Dane Soren Hansen.

 

Madsen, who captured last week's South African Open, had a rollercoaster round as he went in search of back-to-back victories.

Starting from the 10th, Madsen had taken a double bogey seven on the 13th but bounced back with three birdies in the next five holes and then eagled the par five second from 15 feet.

However, he then dropped shots at the next two holes and double bogeyed the fifth before birdies at the sixth and eighth completed a 71.

That gave him the clubhouse lead but he was caught by Schwartzel, who made steady progress towards the top of the leaderboard in the afternoon session.

The 2011 Masters champion was four back when he teed off but made birdies at five, six and nine to be just a shot off the pace.

A birdie at the par five 15th pulled Schwartzel level and three closing pars gave him a second successive 68 and kept the pre-tournament favourite alongside Madsen going into the weekend.

The most extreme round of the day was played by Darren Fichardt.

The South African produced a superb back nine 30 to move into the top five, just two back, before making bogeys at 13 and 16.

A birdie at the par five closing hole would still have seen him finish the day in a tie for seventh but, instead, he made three visits to the water, racked up a quintuple bogey 10 and missed the cut.

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Charley Hull stays in contention at Indian Open

 

England's Charley Hull remains in contention, just a shot off the pace, at the Hero Women's Indian Open.

Thailand's Thidapa Sunawannapura retained a narrow lead after the second round despite adding a 74 to her opening 66 at Delhi Golf Club. Her four-under-par total of 140 was enough to lead by one from fellow overnight leader Valentine Derrey and Hull.

Derrey struggled to a 75 while Hull returned a 72 which featured two birdies and two bogeys.

Sunawannapura, 21, said: "My putts for birdie were all short on the back nine. The greens were trickier and the pin positions were harder. I think it's harder playing in the morning than in the afternoon.

"You cannot expect anything on this course. What's going to happen is going to happen. On 13, today I hit a three-wood into a bush and it came out by two yards. I hit the next shot two yards and then my fourth to the front (of the green) and chipped in for five for a bogey."

Derrey failed to record a single birdie in her round and said: "I missed my drive on nine and made double bogey and then missed my approach shot on 10 and made bogey - that's it.

"I didn't make a putt today. I hit 15 greens, just missed two holes.

"The course is really narrow so you have to hit good shots at the right moment. You have to think where to hit your shot and what to do. I'm going to practice my putting and we'll see what happens tomorrow."

Hull is seeking a first win of a remarkable rookie season on the Ladies European Tour which saw her finish second in her first five events and play a part in Europe's historic Solheim Cup victory in Colorado.

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Rory McIlroy insists he is close to kind of form which saw him win two major titles

 

Rory McIlroy was delighted by his second round of 65 at the Australian Open which saw him close to within two shots of leader Adam Scott.

The two-time major champion admitted he had started to feel despondent during Thursday's opening round as he saw Scott disappearing into the distance on the back of a stunning course record 62 at the Royal Sydney Golf Club.

But, 24 hours later, it was McIlroy's turn to shine as he produced a joint best-of-the-day 65 to catapult himself into contention, making up five shots on the Australian.

"It would have been very easy for me to get frustrated yesterday, and I was a little frustrated, because I bogeyed 10 and 11 to go back to even par, and I'm thinking to myself, 'I'm 10 behind, not just 10 behind anyone, I'm 10 behind Scotty," McIlroy told reporters.

"When you see someone like that at the top of the leaderboard already with a low score, it's tough not to think about it. It's tough not to sort of press the issue... but golf tournaments are long and there's lots of time to chip away."

"You saw me in 2010 (at The Open), it can evaporate very quickly," added the Northern Irishman, referencing the 2010 Open Championship where he opened with a course record 63 at St Andrews, only to follow it with an 80.

Back on song

For weeks McIlroy has been talking positively of his game and now believes he is very close the kind of form which saw him win no fewer than five times last season.

"I'm hitting the ball well off the tee and giving myself plenty of chances. It was good to see a few putts go in today," he continued. "As I've said for the last few weeks, the game is feeling much better and I'm much more comfortable now.

        

Rory McIlroy is pleased the form he has shown in the first two rounds at the Australian Open and hopes it can continue.

                   

"It's the end of the season and I want to finish the season off well. It's a big tournament for me so, in terms of satisfaction, going out there and shooting a good score and putting myself in position for the weekend, yeah, I'm very happy.

"After not making the Tour Championship in the States, it was all about trying to build momentum for 2014 and that's what I feel I've started here.

"I think (my game) is just about in the same shape (as when he won his two majors)... it's all mental.

"When you get a run of events where you play well, your mindset going into tournaments is going under par, winning, getting onto the top of the leaderboard as soon as possible, and when you're not playing well, it's a bit different... if you're not playing well it's a bit different, you're hoping to do well, but not really expecting to."

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Australian Open: Adam Scott keeps Triple Crown dream alive

 

 

Adam Scott remains well-placed to complete the Australian Triple Crown although his lead at the top of the leaderboard in Sydney was cut to two shots.

Scott is aiming to add the Australian Open titles to the PGA and Masters crowns he has already claimed - with Robert Allenby, in 2005, the only other player to complete the feat.

Scott, though, faces stiff competition from Rory McIlroy, with the Northern Irishman carving his way through the field.

Scott had been the star performer in the opening round after a course record 62, however he found the scoring on Friday tougher as storms had an impact.

A mixed round, including seven birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey at the fourth, left the Masters champion to sign for second round 70.

And Scott, who is on 12-under for the tournament, will be casting an anxious look over his shoulder after McIlroy made his move to highlight his return to form.

Softer

"It was always going to be a day where you just had to hang on," Scott said.

 

"He (McIlroy) is one of the best players in the world so I'm going to have to bring my best game."

McIlroy, taking advantage of the calmer conditions early on, picked up nine birdies and two bogeys on his way to seven-under for the round - and 10-under overall.

"The weather wasn't as bad as we thought it was going to be and the wind didn't pick up," he said.

"So I knew we could take advantage of that, and the greens were a little bit softer as well."

Richard Green is a shot further back after his round off 66, while, Matthew Jones is on eight under.

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Denmark's Morten Orum Madsen is on course for back-to-back wins in South Africa

 

Denmark's Morten Orum Madsen is on course for back-to-back wins in South Africa after taking the lead in the first round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

Four days after winning his maiden European Tour title in the South African Open, the 25-year-old from Silkeborg carded a seven-under-par 65 at Leopard Creek to finish one ahead of local favourite Allan Versfeld and Portugal's Ricardo Santos.

Madsen carded eight birdies and one bogey as he continued his remarkable start to only his second full season on Tour, having finished 81st in last season's Race to Dubai.

Versfeld returned a flawless 66 thanks to an eagle and four birdies, while Santos did likewise and finished in style with his eagle coming on the signature par-five 18th.

Defending champion Charl Schwartzel was two shots further back on four-under alongside England's Richard Finch, Scotland's David Drysdale and France's Victor Riu.

"Today it seemed easy but it definitely wasn't, it was pretty tough out there and the course was playing long with the wind," Madsen said after his round.

"I played really solidly, I gave myself a lot of looks at birdie and a lot of shorter ones which was nice.

"I have a lot of confidence right now, I really believe I am going to hit good shots on pretty much every shot. I don't pull off all of them - I hit my tee shot on the seventh in the water - but the majority of them came off well and I rolled in some nice putts.

Really happy

"I'm really, really happy with how I played, I heard it's tough to come out the week after you have won and play well but I felt pretty relaxed in the days leading up to the tournament and I just wanted to go out and see if I can put some solid shots together and I managed to do that today and put myself in a good position. Hopefully I can keep it up.

 

"I wasn't expecting to shoot 65 today, I knew I was playing well but I won last week so everything that happens this week or next week is going to be icing on the cake. I am just trying to enjoy the ride."

Schwartzel was five-under for his first six holes and annoyed at not capitalising on such a blistering start, declining to speak to reporters afterwards.

The former Masters champion won his first European Tour title at Leopard Creek in 2005 and triumphed by 12 shots last year, just a week after winning the Thailand Open by 11 strokes.

The 29-year-old has also finished second four times in what he unsurprisingly describes as his favourite event - an event in which he was a cumulative 81 under par before Thursday.

That total soon improved as Schwartzel started from the 10th with five birdies in his opening six holes, before a bogey on the 17th saw him reach the turn in 33.

A double-bogey on the first then dropped him back to just two-under par and revived painful memories of last week's South African Open, where he held a three-shot lead early in the final round, but ran up a triple-bogey six on the sixth and also took a double-bogey on the 10th.

The world number 21 did make three birdies in the last eight holes at Glendower to finish joint fourth and also responded quickly here, holing from 12 feet for a birdie on the second and from around 50 feet for another on the par-three seventh.

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Hero's Women's India Open: Charley Hull three off the lead after opening round in Delhi

England's Charley Hull is three shots off the lead after the opening round of the Hero's Women's India Open at the Delhi Golf Club.

The 17-year-old, who is chasing her first victory, carded a three-under-par 69 which featured four birdies and just one dropped shot on the par-four 13th.

Thidapa Suwannapura of Thailand and France's Valentine Derrey set the pace after shooting six-under 66s, but Hull is well-placed in fourth and was satisfied with her start.

"I hit it pretty good," she said. "I didn't hit it that well in the practice rounds and on the range it was the worst I've ever hit it in my life but I went out there and flushed it again, so I'm feeling pretty happy with my game.

"All in all my game was pretty good. I made a birdie on 17, hit an iron shot to six feet but missed a seven-footer at the last, so a bit disappointed about that.

"Overall I'm happy because three under on this course is good."

Suwannapura had just one blemish in her opening round of 66, dropping a single shot on the seventh but carding seven birdies to more than make up for the disappointment.

Derrey performed even better, posting a flawless round in pleasant sunny conditions to join Suwannapura at the top of the scoreboard.

American Hannah Jun had earlier set the clubhouse lead but eventually finished the day two shots off the pace after a four-under 68.

England's Danielle Montgomery and Kylie Walker of Scotland are six shots off the lead after opening with level-par 72s.

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Ashes: Rory McIlroy backing Australia to continue winning ways in Adelaide

Rory McIlroy admits he is taking more enjoyment out of the current Ashes series than he is from his exploits on the golf course.

After completing what he described as a 'wasteful' round on the opening day of the Australian Open, the Northern Irishman mimicked Andy Murray when asked who he was following in the cricket.

Wimbledon champion Murray once said he'd back whoever England faced during World Cup matches and McIlroy, who posted a first-round 69 in Sydney to lie seven shots behind Adam Scott, joked: "I suppose it's anyone but England.

"I must say I do like it when the Ashes comes around and I watched the cricket from Brisbane last week.

"I have always been interested in the Ashes and when I was back home a few years ago I remember getting up at midnight to watch the first ball bowled in the Boxing Day Test match.

"The Aussies had a pretty convincing victory up there in Brisbane... so hopefully more of the same (in Adelaide).

"The sledging this year has been a bit worse than other years. It looks like they are having a go at each other after every ball and it would be really tough to take that for too long."

Of his round, McIlroy, who is without a tournament victory this year and has slipped to No 6 in the world, said: "I left three or four short putts out there which was just wasteful.

"I felt it could have been a lot lower. Off the tee, I'm driving the ball the best I ever have, it's just a matter of being more efficient and scoring better.

"And when you see someone at 10 under par, especially when you see it's Adam Scott, I felt like I was in neutral at three under and not making birdies."

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Alfred Dunhill Championship: Charl Schwartzel up for defence

 

Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel could not be in a better place as he looks to forget the one that got away by defending his Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek.

Schwartzel looked set to win the South African Open last week when he held a three-shot lead early in the final round, but dumped his tee shot on the sixth into water short of the green to run up a triple-bogey six.

The South African also took a double bogey on the 10th as his hopes of winning his home Open for the first time evaporated, although three birdies in the last eight holes at least saw him finish joint fourth at Glendower Golf Club.

The world No 21 has the opportunity to make amends at one of his favourite venues this week, having won his first European Tour title at Leopard Creek in 2005 and triumphing by 12 shots last year, just a week after winning the Thailand Open by 11 strokes.

"I have great memories from last year, I played probably some of the best golf I have ever played in my life," Schwartzel told a pre-tournament press conference.

"I've always had very good success round here, it's one of my favourite, if not my favourite golf course.

"What happened last week, if I had to analyse it I thought I played well for 70 holes of that tournament. Everything pretty much went according to how I wanted it to go but I hit one bad shot on the sixth and made a triple bogey and then hit a big piece of steel that was under the ground on the 10th hole and that led to a double bogey.

"If it wasn't for those two holes, I don't want to say I would have won, but I would have had a very good chance of winning.

"I played good enough golf to have won that tournament and if I can bring that over to this week, a course that I like, there is no reason why I can't repeat this week."

Madsen buzzing

Morten Madsen was the major beneficiary of Schwartzel's collapse last week - and that of another South African Hennie Otto - the Dane claiming his first European Tour title by two shots.

The 25-year-old is in only his second full season but has not ruled out claiming back-to-back triumphs on Sunday.

"It was such a great week last week, I am still over-the-moon happy about what happened," Madsen said.

"I think it's starting to sink in and I realise that I've actually won on the European Tour, it's not just a dream any more, it's actually reality.

"It's something I've been dreaming about since I was a little kid, since I picked up the clubs. It's just awesome that it's here already and it's only the beginning of my second year on the European tour. I never expected it to happen this fast. But it's here and now I want to go on and see where I can go from here.

"It would be a little bit arrogant to say that I'm just here to win but I am here to try and play well and try and take some of the game I had last week into this week and we'll see where it takes me from there.

"First I would like to make the cut and put myself in a good position for the weekend and you never know, maybe I will be there on Sunday and fighting for the trophy."

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Scottish Open: Phil Mickelson confirms title defence at Royal Aberdeen in 2014

 

Phil Mickelson will defend his Scottish Open title next year when the tournament is staged at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club for the first time.

The Aberdeen Asset Management-sponsored event is moving from Castle Stuart where the American prevailed following a play-off with South African Brandan Grace earlier this year.

And a week after winning at Inverness, the 43-year-old Mickelson went on to lift the Claret Jug following victory in The Open Championship at Muirfield.

Looking ahead to next year's event, Leftie said: "It was a huge factor in my success the next week at The Open Championship.

"I was able to acclimate myself to the time change, the weather, the wind, the links conditions.

Focus

"That helped sharpen my focus on hitting the proper shots and coming to grips with the results, good or bad."

The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open will take place from July 10-13, with the 2014 Open following on a few days later at Royal Liverpool, Hoylake.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, added: "We are delighted that Phil has confirmed that he will defend his title at Royal Aberdeen in 2014.

"His exceptional double-win in Inverness and Muirfield last year can only emphasise the value of playing a true links tournament in the week leading up to The Open Championship."

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Adam Scott excited about prospect of completing triple crown of titles on home soil

 

Adam Scott is excited about the prospect of completing a triple crown of titles on home soil, but has revealed that the only other man to achieve the feat is refusing to help his bid.

Scott - who became the first Australian to win the Masters at Augusta earlier in the season - has enjoyed a remarkable run of results during a frenetic four-week swing Down Under.

The 33-year-old won the Australian PGA Championship and Australian Masters titles in successive weeks before finishing third at the World Cup of Golf in Melbourne on Sunday, scooping the team title with compatriot Jason Day in the process.

He is now looking to become only the second player to complete a memorable hat-trick by adding the Australian Open title to his PGA and Masters triumphs.

Robert Allenby is the only player to have managed the accomplishment back in 2005, but Scott joked that his fellow Aussie was not offering up any advice.

"Obviously I'm excited about this week with the chance to win the triple crown of Australian golf like Robert (Allenby) did a few years back (2005), so there is a lot on the line and a lot to play for," Scott said.

"I'm certainly looking forward to having a go at it this week.

Tough competition

"The course (Royal Sydney) is looking good and the competition is tough. I think it will be a well-earned victory for whoever ends up on top."

"I'll leave the sledging to the cricketers. I caught up with Robert (on Tuesday) night at the function and I asked some advice on how to go about it, but he didn't offer any up."
Adam Scott on Robert Allenby

Asked if he had caught up with Allenby and whether there had been any pre-tournament sledging, Scott said: "I'll leave the sledging to the cricketers. I caught up with Robert (on Tuesday) night at the function and I asked some advice on how to go about it, but he didn't offer any up.

"I'm left to my own devices this week."

The Adelaide-native did acknowledge, though, that his bid for history had left him drained after a hectic month-long schedule.

"At the end of last week I was tired and I was tired the last couple of days but I rested," added Scott, who won the 2009 Australian Open.

"That's how you have to balance a schedule when you're playing a little more than usual and I kind of had that in mind, knowing that I was playing four weeks. I've taken the days off where I can in the schedule.

"So today I feel good, kind of energised to get in. It's the Australian Open; it's the last week of the year for me, I want to finish big."

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Rory McIlroy has expressed sympathy with England cricketer Jonathan Trott

 

Rory McIlroy has expressed sympathy with England batsman Jonathan Trott and believes his plight serves to highlight the ruthless nature of top-level sport nowadays.

Trott flew home to England at the start of the week in order to try and deal with a stress-related illness that will now see him miss the remainder of the Ashes tour.

A confessed cricket fan, McIlroy is aware of Trott's plight and claims it underlines the severe pressures that sportsmen find themselves under.

"It's becoming more and more common that these sorts of stress-related illnesses are happening and it just shows how much of a mental toll it takes on you sometimes," said McIlroy, who is in Australia to compete in this week's Australian Open at Royal Sydney.

"It's sad to see something like that happen... hopefully he gets home and spends some time with his family and recovers and can come back.

"I guess it's becoming more and more, as sport becomes so big and there's so much pressure and so much on the line."

McIlroy went on to acknowledge that he himself has found 2013 to be a 'mentally draining year' having endured plenty of stressful situations both on and off the golf course.

The World No 6 from Northern Ireland is without a victory in over 12 months and has been involved in a couple of multi-million dollar legal cases, prompting him to say last week: "I've seen more lawyers offices and more lawyers this year than I care to see in my entire life."

Targeting a victory

The 24-year-old still has two more chances to break his duck during the current calendar year; at Sydney this week and then in California when he takes part in Tiger Woods' World Challenge event at Sherwood Country Club.

"Physically, golf doesn't take that much out of you but mentally it is quite draining. And especially for me this year, not just being frustrated with my game but having to answer all the questions and come up with reasons why I am not playing well and all that stuff."
Rory McIlroy

In 2012, McIlroy won four of his last nine events - and five times in all - while this year he has only posted a brace of top-three finishes - in Texas and Korea.

McIlroy said: "I'm looking forward to a break after playing Tiger's event next week as it's been a long year mentally for me rather than physically.

"Physically, golf doesn't take that much out of you, but mentally it is quite draining.

"And especially for me this year, not just being frustrated with my game but having to answer all the questions and come up with reasons why I am not playing well and all that stuff.

 

"But then it's great to be going into the off-season feeling comfortable with my game and knowing that I am on the right track and knowing that I can start the new season strongly.

"So I am excited about that aspect and besides I still have two tournaments left this year and I would love to get a win, whether it is here or in Tiger's event."

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Australian Open: Adam Scott closes on 'triple crown'; Rory McIlroy four behind

Adam Scott is four ahead of Rory McIlroy going into the final round of the Australian Open after a four-under 68 on Saturday.

Scott needs victory at Royal Sydney to complete his country's 'triple crown' having won the Australian PGA and Masters in recent weeks.

Starting the day two ahead of nearest challenger McIlroy, Scott moved clear with a front nine that featured four birdies, including three in a row from the seventh.

He started the back nine with a bogey but picked up further shots at the 14th and 18th to get to 16-under-par overall.

"It's an exciting position to be in, obviously a great chance to win my national championship tomorrow," said Scott.

"And then also win the three events down here which is an unbelievable spot to be in. If you'd told me a month ago, I wouldn't have believed you.

"One round to go but a lot can happen. It's a phenomenon playing behind me and I'm sure he's going to throw plenty at me... but as long as the eye stays in with the putter, I think I should hold on."

Rallied

Northern Ireland's McIlroy, the former world No 1 without a tournament win in 2013, was five behind after a bogey at the fourth was followed by a double-bogey at the next.

But he rallied with four birdies and no bogeys during the remainder of a two-under 70 that left him on 12-under-par, although he did miss a short birdie putt at the 18th.

"I played a good back nine, it could have been a couple better, I felt I left a couple out there," said McIlroy.

On his chances of catching Scott on Sunday, he added: "(It's possible) on this golf course, where there can be a lot of two-shot swings and someone makes a couple of pars and someone gets off to a fast start and makes a birdie and an eagle and you're right back in it.

"There's plenty of chances out there and it's just a matter of taking your opportunities when they come."

The final round is set up for a head-to-head battle as McIlroy is four ahead of a trio of Australians sharing third place, Max McCardle (69), Matt Jones (72) and Richard Green (73).

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Alfred Dunhill Championship: Charl Schwartzel takes share of halfway lead at Leopard Creek

Defending champion Charl Schwartzel and last week's winner Morten Orum Madsen are tied for the halfway lead in the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

The duo share top spot at Leopard Creek Country Club in South Africa after posting eight-under - a shot clear of England's Ross Fisher and Madsen's fellow Dane Soren Hansen.

Madsen, who captured last week's South African Open, had a rollercoaster round as he went in search of back-to-back victories.

Starting from the 10th, Madsen had taken a double bogey seven on the 13th but bounced back with three birdies in the next five holes and then eagled the par five second from 15 feet.

However, he then dropped shots at the next two holes and double bogeyed the fifth before birdies at the sixth and eighth completed a 71.

That gave him the clubhouse lead but he was caught by Schwartzel, who made steady progress towards the top of the leaderboard in the afternoon session.

The 2011 Masters champion was four back when he teed off but made birdies at five, six and nine to be just a shot off the pace.

A birdie at the par five 15th pulled Schwartzel level and three closing pars gave him a second successive 68 and kept the pre-tournament favourite alongside Madsen going into the weekend.

The most extreme round of the day was played by Darren Fichardt.

The South African produced a superb back nine 30 to move into the top five, just two back, before making bogeys at 13 and 16.

A birdie at the par five closing hole would still have seen him finish the day in a tie for seventh but, instead, he made three visits to the water, racked up a quintuple bogey 10 and missed the cut.

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Sunawannapura claims Delhi title

Thidapa Sunawannapura secured the fourth Thai win from seven editions of the Hero Women's Indian Open when she maintained her overnight lead to triumph by three shots at the venerable Delhi Golf Club.

The 21-year-old from Bangkok opened with a 66 to share the lead after the first round and held her advantage throughout the tournament, moving a stroke clear with a second round 74 and then extending her lead to three with a final round 68.

With a winning total of eight-under-par, she ended ahead of her first round co-leader, Valentine Derrey from France, who recorded her second runner-up finish in as many months.

Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum won this event three times before Sunawannapura - in 2008, 2009 and 2012 - while another Thai player, Saraporn Chamchoi, finished in a tie for third this year, alongside England's Hannah Burke.

The final round was played in hot and sunny conditions perfect for golf and Beth Allen of the United States closed with a sizzling six-under-par 66 to share fifth place with England's 17-year-old rookie Charley Hull and the leading Indian player, amateur Gauri Monga.

Sunawannapura, who has a full card on the LPGA, began the final round one clear of Hull and Derrey, but immediately extended her lead to two strokes at five-under-par after a birdie on the first hole.

Although Derrey twice caught the leader, after six and eight holes respectively, Sunawannapura made a downhill putt for birdie from 18 feet on the tricky par-4 ninth to reach six-under and go one stroke clear at the turn.

Hull, still only one behind after seven holes, dropped shots on the 10th and 13th and her excellent birdie from close range on the short 17th was too little, too late. She said: "I played alright. I had a few loose shots but I felt like the last round I would have benefited from an experienced caddie."

Meanwhile, Sunawannapura birdied 13 and 14 to build a three stroke cushion at eight-under-par.

"I'm very happy. I never thought I was going to win this tournament. This is like the biggest tournament that I've won and it's a part of my dream," said Sunawannapura, whose only other professional victory was the Vidalia Tour Championship on the US Symetra Tour in 2012.

"My dad told me this morning, if I could win this tournament, he would be very proud. I will go back to Thailand and hang out with my dad and mum."

The Ladies Asian Golf Tour member, whose other passion besides golf is table tennis, added: "Today I was concentrating on my game all day and was not looking at anyone else. I didn't see them at all. All my mind was concentrating on golf. I played my game and tried to make it good, play my best. I knew that I was leading but I didn't know by how much."

Derrey, who is yet to win on the LET, made three birdies and one bogey on the front nine and came back with nine steady pars, but said: "I didn't make the putts on 11, 12 and 14 and she made birdie on 14 and 15 and was already one ahead of me, so that made a three shot difference. I almost made my birdie putt on 16 but missed the green on 17 and by 18 it was too late.

"I'm satisfied. I've finished second twice and third in the last three months so I hope that Dubai will be my week. If not, I'll wait until 2014. Every week I'm getting more experience and I'm sure that the day will come."

Burke, who also awaits her first professional title, said: "I'm very pleased. It was a very testing course and you had to be patient so I'm proud."

Reflecting on the tight and treacherous golf course, Allen added: "This golf course is really tough. The key is just to keep it in play and the difference between my first two rounds and today was just my approach shots. I kept it in play all week but I hit it very close the first two rounds and holed nothing. I had one birdie the first two rounds and today I had seven."

The Ladies European Tour now moves to the United Arab Emirates for the final tournament of the 2013 season, the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, taking place at Emirates Golf Club from December 4-7.

Hull will be contending for the Rolex Rookie of the Year Award along with her maiden title on her first visit to the emirate and said: "I really can't wait to get to Dubai, to be honest. I'm so excited and I've been counting down the days because I've never been before and I've heard it's really good."

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History beckons for Scott

Adam Scott extended his lead at the top of the Australian Open leaderboard to four shots after he carded a 68 at Royal Sydney on Saturday.

The Masters champion's highly-anticipated duel with former world number one didn't deliver on its second round promise as the Australian reached 16-under after 54 holes, four better than McIlroy, who followed up his 65 on Friday with a third round 70.

Victory for Scott would not only make him the second player ever to win the Australian Triple Crown - The Open, Masters and PGA Championship - after Robert Allenby achieved the feat in 2005, he would become the first player to win the three Aussie majors as well as Norman Von Nida Order of Merit Medal.

"What Adam has already achieved over the last four weeks is remarkable," Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia, told the Tour's official website.

"It's already been a history-making year for the US Masters champion and tomorrow Adam has another chance to do what no other person has ever done.

"On behalf of all of Adam's fellow PGA and PGA Tour of Australasia Members I wish him the best of luck."

McIlroy turned six shots behind Scott after he fluffed two chips en route to a double bogey, but responded well on the back nine and could have cut the deficit to three had he not missed a routine putt on the final hole.

Eight shots off the pace in third place is Matt Jones after he carded a 72 on Saturday, while Max McCardle (69) and Richard Green (73) are tied for fourth, another shot further behind.

Previous winner Stuart Appleby (67) is on seven-under in a tie for sixth place, alongside Nathan Holman (68), Scott Arnold (69) and Leigh McKechnie (71).

Jason Day carded a 66 on the day to move up to six-under, which just about gives him an opportunity to chase down Scott on the final round should he card a course record.

"It's a long shot but, if I can go out tomorrow and the leaders are not too far away and I shoot a low one, maybe I can catch them," Day said.

The 18-year-old Anthony Murdaca (66) and Brady Watt (73) lead a trio of amateurs that are in the top 20 going into the final round and are currently on five-under.

The 15-year-old Ryan Ruffels reached six-under late in his round, but carded a double bogey on the 17th to drop one shot behind his fellow amateurs with a third round 68.

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Schwartzel joins Madsen at the top

Morten Orum Madsen produced an eventful round to stay in front at the Alfred Dunhill Championship, but Charl Schwartzel is keeping him company.

The duo will be the last pairing out at Leopard Creek on Saturday morning after they finished with a total of eight-under-par 136.

Having carded an opening round seven-under-par 65 on Thursday, Madsen had to settle for a second round of one under 71 that included two double bogeys, two bogeys, an eagle and five birdies.

The Dane, who won the South African Open last week, started on the back nine and it all went wrong on the par-5 13th as he dropped two shots, but he quickly made up for it with three birdies before the turn.

He was a roll as he eagled the par-five second hole, but lost his way again as he went bogey, bogey, double bogey in his next three holes. He birdied two of the final four holes to end the day under par.

Defending champion Schwartzel enjoyed less adventurous day as he produced a flawless four-under-par 68 to claim a share of top spot.

Ross Fischer and Soren Hansen produced the rounds of the day as their seven-under-par 65s saw them move into a share of third place. Englishman Fischer, who started on the back nine, had an eagle at the 18th, but he immediately threw it away at the next hole as he double bogeyed the first while Hansen dropped a shot at the fifth.

South African Tyrone van Aswegen and Richard Finch of England are another shot back at six under with Danny Willet part of a group of five at four under.

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Scott secures Aussie Order of Merit

Adam Scott can do no wrong at the moment as the world number two has wrapped up the PGA Tour of Australasia's Order of Merit title.

Although there are still two rounds left in the Australian Open, Scott can no longer be caught as he is now Aus$68,557 ahead of his nearest challenger, Korean-born Jin Jeong.

While Scott leads the event by two shots ahead of the weekend, Australian-based Jeong missed the cut after rounds of 73 and 76, handing the title to the Masters winner, who also won the Australian PGA Championship and Australian Masters earlier this month.

"I won the Order of Merit in 2005 so it's nice to again finish the year as Australasian Tour number one even though it has not been quite a year-long season down here in Australia for me," said Scott.

"It's also not the same as finishing the PGA Tour as number one or winning the European Tour Order of Merit but then it still is something you have got to achieve and one day I will sit down and look back on all the achievements and accolades and feel proud of all that I have done.

"But then the icing on the cake this year would be to win the Triple Crown and that still remains the big goal this week."

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Wet and windy conditions scuppered Adam Scott and put McIlroy in contention at Open

BULLISH Irish star Rory McIlroy believes he can end the title streak of Adam Scott - and his own year-long drought - after firing himself into contention at the Australian Open.

A day after Scott's record-breaking opening round, McIlroy went on his own birdie blitz to shoot a seven under 65 and move into a share of the lead after his Friday morning round.

As wet and windy conditions grew worse in the afternoon, a battling Scott briefly fell into second before rallying to finish with a two-shot lead, courtesy of a bogey-strewn 70.

The world's second and sixth-ranked stars will go head to head in a dream pairing Saturday, and after it seemed Scott's tournament alone on Thursday, the snakes-and-ladders events of Friday have thrown it wide open.

McIlroy has suffered through a year of poor form and introspection but the peacock strut was back on display after a nine-birdie haul, and the former world No. 1 wasn't afraid to thrown down the gauntlet to Scott.

Asked if he felt he could beat the US Masters champ (prior to Scott's round), McIlroy said: "I feel like I have the game to do that, as long as he doesn't get too far ahead and I'm within striking distance going into the weekend.

"I feel like I can shoot a couple more scores similar to today and have a great chance."

"I feel like I'm playing well. I'm hitting the ball well off the tee and giving myself plenty of chances."

McIlroy credited easier morning conditions than expected and rain-softened greens for his round, but as was the case on day one, Scott and the later groups were buffeted by up to "five club" winds in the afternoon at Royal Sydney.

Though he made seven birdies, the tricky conditions elicited three bogeys and a double-bogey from Scott as well.

"It was really blowing … it was always going to be a day where you have to just hang on," Scott said.

"Bogeys out there easy to come by today, if you were just slightly off. Probably most scorecards would have looked similar this afternoon."

The majority of the afternoon scorecards did, at least. Hampered by a stiff back, Jason Day shot a 74 to finish even and only just avoided the cut. Robert Allenby birdied the last to get to one over and do likewise.

Former Australian Open champions Peter Senior - who shot 81 - and Greg Chalmers weren't so lucky, and both missed out.

Richard Green aced the par 3 sixth on his way to a 66 and finished third on the leaderboard at 9 under, ahead of Australia's dominant Asian Tour star Matt Jones (8 under).

Leigh McKechnie (65) equalled McIlroy for the round of the day to finish in a share of equal fifth in six under; alongside Alistair Presnell, Josh Younger and star amateur Brady Watt.

Geoff Ogilvy turned a day one 74 into a strong 66 yesterday and fifteen-year-old sensation Ryan Ruffels showed his unlimited potential by rallying from a horror first day to shoot a 67 - the sixth best round of the day - and, remarkably, make the cut on debut in the Australian Open.

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