Scottish Open: Robert MacIntyre heads challenge to leader Ludvig Aberg

Third-round pacesetter Aberg was four under for the day through 10 holes before a miss from inside three feet on 12 capped consecutive bogeys to dent his challenge as MacIntyre moved two clear.

However, Aberg responded majestically with birdies on 13, 16 and 17 to double the advantage he held at the halfway stage.

“Not the most stress-free golf but it was again a good score – I’m pleased with the way I hung in there and finished it out,” said the Swede.

“Tomorrow will be fun. Looks like I’m playing with Bob as well, so it will be a cool pairing and looking forward to it.”

McIlroy was also four under after 10, but failed to capitalise on further birdie opportunities before dropping a shot at the last.

“The last four holes I’ve probably played them the worst I could, which is unfortunate because I felt like I could have been right up there, sort of at 15 under around the lead,” said the Northern Irishman.

England’s Tommy Fleetwood, six shots back at the start of play, made an early charge with five birdies in his first six holes.

Another gain on 16 lifted him to 12 under but a superb round unravelled on the last with a double bogey after finding a greenside bunker with his approach.

“Disappointed and frustrated” was how Fleetwood summed up his emotions.

He added: “I’m scoring much worse than I’m playing. So I have to sort that out.”