Bryson DeChambeau (L) and Rory McIlroy. Photo: AFP
Rory McIlroy stormed to the top of the Masters leaderboard with an electrifying third round that included two eagles, to finish two shots ahead of Bryson DeChambeau and on the doorstep of winning the elusive career Grand Slam.
But to reach the promised land he will have to get past the big-hitting American, who drained a stunning 48-foot (14.6m) birdie putt on 18 to keep the pressure on McIlroy and ensure the fan favourites would be paired together on championship Sunday.
The tantalising showdown could be viewed as an opportunity for McIlroy to get revenge for his heartbreaking loss to DeChambeau at the US Open in Pinehurst last year but McIlroy prefers not to see it that way.
"I think the big thing is not to make it a rematch and just stay in my own little world," said McIlroy, who shot a six-under 66 and is 12-under par for the tournament.
McIlroy looked focused as he walked to the clubhouse after tapping in for par on 18 knowing that in 24 hours he could be sliding on a Green Jacket and finally ending an 11-year hunt to win all four of golf's major championships.
DeChambeau, who birdied three of his final four holes for a third round 69, high-fived his delirious fans and beamed a big smile after his final hole heroics as the sun began to set on Augusta National.
"That's what dreams are made of right there," he said.
"Two behind, couldn't ask for anything more. Super excited for the challenge ahead."
McIlroy got off to a scorching start, going birdie-eagle-birdie en route to becoming the first player to begin a round at the Masters with six consecutive threes, leapfrogging overnight leader Justin Rose on a day that offered pristine scoring conditions.
Rory McIlroy Photo: PHOTOSPORT
After starting the day three shots back of Rose, McIlroy led by as many as four shots on the front nine but cooled off around the turn with bogeys on eight and 10.
He got up and down on 13 for birdie to seize the momentum back and his soaring approach shot on the par-five 15th set up a six-foot eagle putt that he coolly converted to regain his four-shot lead.
But DeChambeau would not go away, drilling birdies on 15 and 16 before his dramatic putt on 18 to keep the two-time US Open champion's dream of capturing a first Masters title alive.
While the focus Sunday will be on the McIlroy-DeChambeau pairing, plenty of other marquee names are also in the hunt.
Canadian Corey Conners is four back and in solo third place while former Masters champion Patrick Reed and last year's runner up Ludvig Aberg are tied for fourth at six under.
World number one Scottie Scheffler is among four players lurking behind at five-under par heading into what should be a thrilling finale.
- Reuters
