McIlroy takes 1-shot lead in Shanghai

Shanghai, November 2

Rory McIlroy earned a one-stroke lead over Louis Oosthuizen as the cream rose to the top in the third round at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai today.

McIlroy put on a driving clinic for most of the day, his accuracy and prodigious length off the tee an impressive sight at Sheshan International. The Northern Irishman carded a bogey-free 5-under-par 67 that takes him within striking distance of his fourth victory of the year. 

A precise wedge for a tap-in birdie at the par-5 18th allowed McIlroy to inch ahead of Oosthuizen at 15-under 201. South African Oosthuizen threw down the gauntlet with birdies at the first five holes en route to a 65.

Lahiri, Atwal make cut 

Southampton (Bermuda): Anirban Lahiri slipped way down to 50th place while Arjun Atwal played 2-under to get to 4-under and T-40th place at the inaugural Bermuda Championship.

However, both made halfway cut and will play the weekend rounds and improve their position.

Lahiri started well with a birdie on 10th but was hit by a triple-bogey on the next hole. He incurred a penalty on the 11th hole, but fought back with birdies on 15th and 17th to turn in an even-par, while Atwal had three birdies against one bogey on the 13th. His birdies came on the seventh, 12th and 17th. Daniel Chopra missed the cut with rounds of 74 and 74. — Reuters