Rory McIlroy lost ground on the field after a third round 76 dropped the Holywood teenager into a tie for 43rd on eight over going into the final round of the MFS Australian Open in Sydney.

The 17-year-old amateur had began the day tied 28th before advancing to two under for his round through 12 holes. However, he dropped six shot in as many holes on the home stretch to undo all the good work.

Australia's Nathan Green leads by one shot on five under.