If Rory McIlroy weren't focused on his own ambitions, he'd undoubtedly be cheering for Matteo Manassero on the final day of the tournament. Since Manassero's PGA Championship victory 11 years ago, he has faced a significant downturn, plummeting to 1,805th in the world rankings and playing on minor tours. Once a teenage sensation and the youngest player to make a Masters cut, his career took a sharp nosedive after a misguided attempt to increase his driving distance. Manassero's recent resurgence culminated in a DP World Tour win in South Africa in March. With a three-shot lead heading into the final 18 holes in Surrey, he stands on the brink of the most significant victory of his remarkable career.

McIlroy had a front-row seat as Manassero carded a third-round 63 to reach 18 under par. McIlroy and Billy Horschel are close behind at minus 15. The DP World Tour's flagship event is living up to its reputation once again. 'It's unbelievable,' McIlroy said of Manassero. 'I don't think you'd find a single player on tour who isn't thrilled for him. To be a young phenom and then lose your game, and go play the Alps Tour... the character required to do that. It's amazing to see. I was really impressed when I played with him in Scotland in July and the final round together last week; again, this week. It's really great to see. He's such a nice guy, level-headed, and good to see him back where he belongs.'

However, McIlroy has his own compelling reasons to focus on the final day. Last weekend at the Irish Open, spectators saw the four-time major winner come close to another triumph. By his own admission, he has been on the cusp of victory for much of 2024. 'I haven't won since May but have given myself plenty of chances,' he said. 'I'm due, but that doesn't mean it's necessarily going to happen. I've always liked being in this position, a couple back, trying to get off to a fast start. Hopefully, I can do that and put some pressure on early doors.'

McIlroy's career has been marked by setbacks and comebacks. 'I have setbacks, and I usually come back pretty well from them. Some are harder than others, but in this game, you have to be resilient. You have to understand and recognize that you're going to lose a lot more than you win, and you have to be OK with that and accept that. I've definitely been on that accepting side this year, but it's good to be back in the mix. The crowds have been absolutely incredible. I remember being 11 or 12 and coming here to watch the World Match Play, following all my heroes at the time. Wentworth is a special place for me, so to give myself another chance here, I am really happy.'

Manassero birdied his last three holes and six of his final eight. 'That is one of the best rounds I have ever played,' he said. 'I have a better perspective about golf and being top of the leaderboard, but it's not that comfortable. It's not easy to compete at such a high level in tough conditions. It's not like the ideal comfort zone, but that's what we work for. That's what we try and achieve.' Next year's Ryder Cup in New York suddenly seems within reach.

McIlroy, aiming to keep up with the leader, found water with his second shot at the 18th but saved par. On an afternoon of low scoring, McIlroy's 66 was bettered by one by Horschel. The top three players on the leaderboard are all past champions here. Matthew Baldwin sits at 14 under after 54 holes, one ahead of Thriston Lawrence and Antoine Rozner.