Rory McIlroy has retained the lead at the Scottish Open, securing a one-shot advantage ahead of the final round in North Berwick.
The Northern Irishman is bidding to get another title under his belt ahead of next week's Open Championship, and he is on track to achieve that objective after another round in the sixties at the Renaissance Club.
Tee times were brought forward due to the predicted winds and rain, with McIlroy and nearest rival Tom Kim both shooting rounds of 67 to stay in the top two.
While Kim produced a clean card, McIlroy made two bogeys on the back nine to keep him within touching distance of the chasing pack.
Tommy Fleetwood shot the round of the day, with the Englishman recording eight birdies on the way to a 63 that has earned him a spot in the final group on Sunday.
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Brian Harman joins Fleetwood in sitting two shots adrift of McIlroy, while a 64 from Eric Cole has catapulted the American into a share of fifth alongside four other players.
World number one Scottie Scheffler features in that group, yet he will be delighted to be just three shots behind having been required to hit four birdies on the back nine to reach that mark.
Tyrrell Hatton was the big loser of the contenders who were well placed at the midway point with a 71 resulting in him dropping down to a tie for 13th spot.
Viktor Hovland, Xander Schauffele and Rickie Fowler are all six shots behind McIlroy, leaving the trio being required to go low during the closing 18 holes.
Darren Plant
