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Rory McIlroy loses ground in Australia

Defending champion Rory McIlroy shoots a third-round 76 to slip down the leaderboard at the Australian Open.

Rory McIlroy has recorded a third-round 76 at the Australian Open to fall out of contention for a second successive title.

The defending champion reached the halfway stage just one shot off the lead but a double and triple bogey on Saturday contributed to the world number one dropping down to 14th position.

A round of 71 from Greg Chalmers ensured that he remained at the top of the leaderboard, but the home favourite has been joined by fellow countryman Brett Rumford and American Jordan Spieth.

Adam Scott backed up yesterday's round of 66 with a solid 69 to leave him one off the pace alongside Rod Pampling.

Amateur Todd Sinnott didn't help his chances of glory with a 73 but he will start the final round just three shots adrift of the leaders.

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Darren Plant
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Rory McIlroy of Europe laughs during practice ahead of the 2014 Ryder Cup on the PGA Centenary course at the Gleneagles Hotel on September 24, 2014
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