Four Europeans go into the final round of the Wells Fargo Championship in the top ten as American Nick Watney joined Ryder Cup team-mate Phil Mickelson in a share of the lead at Quail Hollow.
On a windy day Mickelson could only manage a one over round of 73, carding three bogeys and a double-bogey at the 15th to open the door for Watney who signed for a 71 despite a double bogey of his own at the 17th.
They sit together at the top on eight under par for the tournament, with George McNeill one shot further back in second after a par round of 72.
Swede Robert Karlsson and English pair David Lynn and Lee Westwood are amongst those on six under.
Karlsson has not won anywhere in the world since his 2010 Dubai World Championship victory, but stormed into contention with a three under par 69.
US PGA Championship runner-up Lynn turned two over par for his round, but fought back with three birdies on the back nine in his 71 – one better than compatriot Westwood.
McIlroy, who turned 24 today, started the day in a share of fifth but, despite an eagle on the par-five seventh, never really found his rhythm and double-bogeyed the ninth to sign for a one over 73 that dropped him down to a five-share way of tenth place.
The World Number Two, who won here in 2010 and was only beaten in a play-off last year, cannot overhaul Tiger Woods at the top of the Official World Golf Ranking this weekend, but was hoping for a victory to close the gap.
Spain’s Sergio Garcia is amongst those on four under.
