Rory McIlroy has gone to Wembley to watch Anthony Joshua tonight before he bids to stop an emotional comeback win for Italian Matteo Manaserro tomorrow (Sunday).
The “resilient” Ulsterman claimed he is “due” a victory after a summer of near-misses and heartaches, including losing the Irish Open last Sunday.
But the Italian has suffered a career of pain after getting tipped as a future superstar when he became the youngest ever European Tour champion aged 17 and then won his title in 2013 aged 20.
Now 31, Manaserro has battled back from falling to world No.1805 to regain his DP World Tour card – and win in South Africa in March.
The world No.101 is starting to show his young form again. And yesterday he shot a superb bogey-free 63 in the rain and sun to take a three-shot lead from fellow former champions McIlroy and Billy Horschel into the final round.
His 18-under par score is the lowest in tournament history.
“I am playing well,” Manaserro said. “I have cleared things in my mind. I did fear I would never get back but I just kept going. To win here again would be just like before, it would mean winning one of the best titles in golf outside the Majors.”
McIroy, who was also a teenage sensation, said: “It’s unbelievable. I don’t think you would find one player on tour that isn’t so happy for him.
“To be like a young phenom and then lose your game. He’s such a nice guy, level-headed and good to see him back to where he belongs.”
McIlroy, who said he is “a big fight fan” and a regular at AJ’s bouts, won here in 2014 when he came from seven shots back on the final day.
“I have given myself another chance to win this championship,” he said. “I’m basically a resident at Wentworth now. Building a house here, too. I love it here. It would be amazing to get my name on the trophy again.
“I don’t have to come from seven back tomorrow, just three. Matteo is playing very well. But if I get off to a fast start, it’s game on.”
McIlroy last won at the Wells Fargo Championship in May but has since suffered late collapses to lose the US Open and then at Royal County Down.
But the four-time Major winner has responded with rounds of 67, 68 and 66 to get in the final group today with Manassero and Horschel.
“I think it’s been a familiar story with my career,” he said. “I have setbacks and I usually come back pretty well from them. In this game you have to be resilient.
“You have to understand and recognise that you’re going to lose a lot more than you win but it’s good to be back in the mix.
“I haven’t won since may but given myself plenty of chances. I’m due but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily going to happen.”
More rain is forecast today. Halfway leader Matthew Baldwin, who shot a third-round 71, said: “I’m sure it will be a stop/start day. I’ll enjoy whatever it brings.”
