McIlroy shot 66 after getting up and down for par at No. 18 after hitting into water off his second shot. The No. 3-ranked Northern Irishman, who won the event in 2014, was tied for second place with 2021 champion Billy Horschel, whose round of 65 included a run of seven straight birdies -- featuring holed putts totaling 130 feet -- from No. 8.

Rory McIlroy and Billy Horschel fed off each other beautifully at Wentworth but still trail Matteo Manassero by three.

For years, Matteo Manassero lost his game in a quest for more distance, but he’s back to his old self this week at the BMW PGA Championship. The 2013 champion at the Wentworth Club fired a 9-under 63 on Saturday to build a three-shot lead over Rory McIlroy (2014 BMW PGA winner) and Billy Horschel (2021 BMW PGA winner).