Double Major winning Rory McIlroy has not given up hope of victory despite a third round 69 for a share of fifth place on eight under par that leaves him seven shots behind Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn.

Bjorn birdied seven of his closing eight holes to put a five shot gap between he and England’s Luke Donald lying in second place.

Rory McIlroy staring at his ninth top-10 in 11 stroke play events this year. (Picture: David Lloyd / www.golffile.ie)

Like the third round leader Bjorn, McIlroy doubled the first ahead of five birdies from the fourth hole.

“I’ve had big leads and let them slip, and come from behind and won, so there’s a lot of ways to win,” he said.

“There is still 18 holes of golf to go, but I’m going to need something very special, maybe something similar to what Thomas did the first day.”

If McIlroy does not win but still finishes top-10 it will be his ninth top-10 in 11 stroke-play events this year.    Three of those will be on the regular European Tour and the other six in the States.