Golf:Rory McIlroy today charged into the lead in the final round of the Dunhill Links Championship with a brilliant front nine of 30 at soggy St Andrews. The youngster then picked up a further shot on the 11th to lead by one from Graeme McDowell and Michael Hoey.

McIlroy started the day five shots behind Hoey, but carded four birdies and an eagle to on the front nine. A tap-in birdie at the par 3 11th moved him to 20 under, one ahead of his fellow Ulstermen.

McIlroy birdied the second and then holed his second shot to the par-four third for an eagle two, his approach pitching past the flag but spinning back into the hole. Overnight leader Hoey had carded three birdies and two bogeys in 13 holes to move to 19 under while McDowell was four under for his round.