Irish Open, duel between Matteo Manassero and Rory McIlroy

Irish Open, duel between Matteo Manassero and Rory McIlroy

Super challenge in Northern Ireland between Rory McIlroy, a champion of the green, and Matteo Manassero, a newfound talent. At the Irish Open, after the third and penultimate round, with a round of 69 (-2) on a total of 207 (68 70 69, -6) strokes, McIlroy è climbed up from 4ª position and è took the top of the DP World Tour tournament overtaking the very Italian.

 At the Royal County Down Golf Club (par 71) in Newcastle, County Down, Manassero, leader at the halfway point, now è 2° with 208 (70 66 72, -5) just one stroke behind world No. 3. Staying in Italy, Filippo Celli also had a good showing. The Roman è 11° with 212 (68 72 72, -1).

Strong winds tested the competitors in the competition. McIlroy made an eagle and two birdies, with two bogeys, while Manassero (72, +1), who is dreaming of his second success of the season on the circuit (after the one that came in South Africa in the Jonsson Workwear Open), to re-enter the world Top 100 and approach the "card" to play, next year, on the PGA Tour, sealed three birdies, with four bogey.

In the final and decisive round, Manassero will play alongside McIlroy. A total prize pool of $6,000,000 is up for grabs, of which $1,020,000 will go to the winner.