Rory McIlroy and Billy Horschel both eyeing a second title at Wentworth

Former champions Rory McIlroy and Billy Horschel are gunning for more Wentworth glory as they look to overhaul leader Matteo Manassero in the final round of the BMW PGA Championship.

McIlroy has not lifted the trophy at the Rolex Series event in ten years, while American Horschel was the winner at Wentworth Club in 2021.

Both surged into contention in a high-class three-ball which included the leading Italian on Moving Day in Virginia Water.

The Northern Irishman was flawless in his 66 after kickstarting his round with an eagle at the fourth before adding another four birdies to sit three adrift of Manassero, who was blemish-free in his 63 to set the lowest 54-hole score in the tournament's history at 18 under.

"It's exciting. I'm looking forward to tomorrow," McIlroy said. "Matteo and I played in the final round together in Scotland, played in the final round together last week in Ireland and looks like we are going to do it again this week.

"Obviously it's good to see him back playing the golf that he is and where he's supposed to be, so it's going to be an exciting day.

"I don't have to come from seven back tomorrow, just three. It's still a tough task, especially with how good he's playing. But if I get off to a fast start, it's game on.

"Since I won here in 2014, I've had a few good chances I've let slip by. Yeah, given myself another chance to win this championship. I'm basically a resident at Wentworth now. Building a house here, too. I love it here. It would be amazing to get my name on the trophy again.

"It's amazing. The crowds have been absolutely incredible. I remember being 11, 12 and coming here at The World Match Play and following all my heroes at the time.

"Wentworth is a special place for me, so to give myself another chance here tomorrow, really happy."

Horschel was also at 15 under par courtesy of a career-best seven successive birdies from the eighth to catapult him into contention.

That birdie blitz was bookended with bogeys, but the World Number 24 picked up another two shots for a round of 65.

"The hole looked like the size of the Atlantic Ocean," Horschel said. "I made some long putts, and had some close ones, as well. It was pretty special.

"After my bogey on number seven, I got started. We were all feeding off each other. Rory could easily have shot two or three better. He hit some putts there at the end that could easily have gone in.

"But yeah, really good round of golf with two really good guys and looks like we're going to be grouped together again tomorrow.

"I look back all the time (at his victory in 2021), especially when I start coming over here. Tonight I'll reminisce a little bit. But I know it's going to be a shoot-out tomorrow.

"I don't know how bad the weather is going to be but the leaderboard is tight. No one is running away with it. So you have to come out and play some really good golf to try to hoist this trophy again."