World No. 1 Rory McIlroy is now just 27 holes away from wrapping up the 2012 European No. 1 title in the storm-affected Barclays Singapore Open.

McIlroy managed to squeeze in nine holes of his third round when the siren sounded at around 6.45pm local time to halt play Saturday.

However after two days of stoppages due to storms on this occasion on this occasion play was called as it was darkness descending on the Sentosa course.

Rory McIlroy competing in his third round of the Barclays Singapore Open. (Photo – Jenny Matthew/www.golffile.ie)

McIlroy left the course kissing girlfriend, Caroline Wozinacki before jumping in a golf cart.  The Danish tennis ace, who has happily agreed to be photographed with spectators about the course, then sat on McIlroy’s lap as the cart headed off in the direction of the clubhouse.

Just before leaving McIlroy said to his manager, Conor Ridge:  “Thanks, and see you in the morning,”

Play in the $6m event will resume again at 7.30am local time Sunday and with McIlroy needing to play all 72 holes to not only wrap-up the Barclays Singapore Open title but in the process become the youngest European No. 1 in 36 years.

If he doesn’t win the prestigious Singapore event then McIlroy can achieve the Number One goal by finishing third.

McIlroy had commenced his third round at 4.30pm local time and after a birdie at the second to move to three under par, he then played a superb second shot through palm trees at the par five fourth hole to set up an eagle.

However the double Major winner then gave the two shots back when he found the water with his drive at the next to walk off with a double boge before then driving the green at the short par four seventh hole and two-putting for birdie.

When play halted McIlroy had moved to four under par after nine holes and five behind Thomas Bjorn who was leading by a shot at nine under par and having played three holes of his third round.

“I’ve played the par fives well and that’s been the key so far but then if I can pick up a few more birdies in the morning and shoot something in the low to mid-60s then I’ve got a chance going into the fourth round,” McIlroy said.

“The more golf we play the better chance of having of winning so hopefully we do play all four rounds.”

And while there’s been an improvement in McIlroy’s golf there’s also an improvement in his well-being so much so he’s sounding his normal self.

“The medication I got from the doctor has helped a lot and I’m feeling really good,” said McIlroy.

“I also feel as though I’ve sweated a lot of what ever it was out of my system.

“But it’s another early start in the morning and hoepfully we get it all done tomorrow because if we don’t it’s another early start on Monday.”

A Monday finish would not affect McIlroy’s travel plans as it is only a four-hour flight north to Hong Kong where he will be defending the UBS Hong Kong Open.