Hong Kong Open Golf: Schedule takes toll on Rory McIlroy

A DESPONDENT Rory McIlroy admitted yesterday that he struggled to motivate himself during a third-round 70 at the Hong Kong Open and was pleased to finish just three shots behind leader Alvaro Quiros.

cIlroy, who had shared the lead with Quiros after a second-round 69, revealed a hectic 2011 schedule was beginning to take its toll, while the lingering effects of a recent bout of illness had also proved draining.

After opening with three pars, the 22-year-old posted consecutive bogeys at the fourth and fifth but recovered with two birdies on the back nine to get back to even par for the day and seven under for the tournament.

“Not very good, I just didn’t have anything out there,” the US Open champion said. “Mentally I just wasn’t really at the races and struggled to get anything going.

“It was one of those days where nothing much was happening. It was nice to birdie a couple coming in to keep me in it. I’m only three behind so if I can get off to a decent start tomorrow, I’m right back in it.

“I felt OK on the range but I got out on the golf course and I notice when I’m not quite at it, little things start to irritate me. I start to hear cameras that you don’t usually hear, it’s just a sign that I’m a little tired. There is a chance for me to catch up but I just need to go back and rest up and try and put everything into tomorrow.”

Spaniard Quiros produced a solid round of 67 that contained three birdies and no bogeys to lead Swede Peter Hanson by one stroke on ten under.

Hanson climbed to nine under following a fine 65. The Swede dropped a shot at the seond but responded with six birdies, including from long range at the 11th and 15th.

Korea’s YE Yang and Pariya Junhasavasdikul were tied for third on eight under, while England’s David Horsey was in the group at five under par following a 69.

Defending champion Ian Poulter was six shots off the lead at four under after a 67, while Scot Richie Ramsay was on the same score after a 72.