All eyes on McIlroy as third round at US Open is under way

Jun 18, 2011, 19:45 GMT

Bethesda, Maryland - With a six shot lead going into Saturday's third round the US Open crown is really Rory McIlroy's to lose.

The young Northern Ireland golfer, who tee-off time was at 1950 gmt, stands on 11-under after two exceptional rounds of 65 and 66, while his playing partner on Saturday, YE Yang is on five-under.

Of the early starters, several were finding birdies much easier to come by than on the first two days, with Webb Simpson being the best in the clubhouse after a round of 66.

The 25-year-old who was just above the cut line after the first two rounds said that he struggled on Thursday and Friday. 'I just wanted to make the cut yesterday and I knew it was going to be a struggle.

'It's kind of been like that for me the whole year, I have had a slow start to a lot of tournaments and then had to figure things out as I went along. It was just a confidence thing for me today.'

Simpson's score took him to four-under for the tournament. 'It is exciting to be in this position. I was pleased to make the cut, I did not really know what to expect. I knew that if I made the cut, a couple of good rounds at the US Open can go a long way.'

Also looking strong were Swedes Henrik Stenson and Fredrik Jacobson, as well as Australian Jason Day, who were all on three-under with the back nine still to play.

A bridie on the par-three seventh saw Stenson move into third place in the standings, while Jacobsen and Day had joined a group tied fourth on two-under.