Italian Matteo Manassero shot a nine-under-par third round of 63 to take a three-shot lead into the final day of the BMW PGA Championship.

Manassero carded an eagle and seven birdies at Wentworth in Surrey to move to 18 under par, which is the lowest 54-hole score to par in the tournament’s history.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy produced a round of 66 to move into joint second on 15 under, along with American Billy Horschel (65).

“It was one of the best rounds I’ve ever played considering the conditions,” said Manassero, who won this tournament in 2013.

“The front nine it rained a lot and the course was playing soft but also long.

“There’s not too many birdies out there but I made the most of all I could. It was a fantastic round.”

He added: “I have seen the leaderboard and I know what I’m going to face on Sunday.

“It’s a great position to be in. It’s not going to be an easy task and golf today was great with me and we’ll see about tomorrow.”

McIlroy, like Manaserro, carded an eagle at the fourth hole, and he added to that with four birdies.

“I played well. Another solid day. My lowest score of the week, no bogeys,” said McIlroy.

“I was trying to keep up with Matteo as well. I know I’m going to need another low one on Sunday to try to catch him.”

England’s Matt Baldwin is on 14 under after a 71, while compatriot Aaron Rai moved to 12 under after a 66.