Italian golfer would complete remarkable career turnaround with victory on Sunday afternoon
Rory McIlroy prepares to play a shot from behind the trees on the 12th hole during the third round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club. Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesEleven years after becoming the youngest winner of the BMW PGA Championship, Italy’s Matteo Manassero will take a three-shot lead into the final round at Wentworth.
Manassero’s playoff win in 2013 looked set to make him the next star of European golf, but he lost his way chasing extra distance and had slumped to 1,805th in the world rankings before winning on the developmental Alps Tour three years ago. “I did fear I wouldn’t get back because you’re never sure until you actually do it. Even when you’re playing better, doing things well and you don’t succeed then you’re never sure, even though you may be really close.”
Italy's Matteo Manassero celebrates a birdie on the 18th hole during the third round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club. Photograph: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire Asked about bouncing back from agonisingly missing out on a first professional win in Northern Ireland seven days ago, McIlroy added: “I think it’s been a familiar story with my career.
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