Rory McIlroy says what he finds ‘unbelievable’ about Matteo Manassero after playing with him at the BMW PGA Championship

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Matteo Manassero is the overnight leader at the BMW PGA Championship after a stunning third round alongside Rory McIlroy and Billy Horschel put him in contention.

Manassero produced a quite brilliant third round and birdied the last three holes to put himself at -18 and three ahead of both McIlroy and Horschel.

With Rory McIlroy admitting he wanted to win the BMW PGA to become a multiple time winner, Manassero and Horschel are also in the frame to do just that.

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For McIlroy, it is yet another opportunity to win after his narrow miss at the Irish Open last week.

However, while McIlroy will be desperate to get over the line at Wentworth, he’s also delighted to see his good friend Manassero back in the mix.

Rory McIlroy praises Matteo Manassero after round three of the BMW PGA Championship

Speaking to the press about playing with Manassero and seeing his return to form, McIlroy had nothing but praise for the Italian.

“It’s unbelievable. I don’t think you would find one player on tour that isn’t so happy for him. To be like a young phenom and then lose your game, and go play the Alps Tour and play; I guess the character that you need to do that,” McIlroy commented.

“Yeah, it’s amazing to see. I was really impressed when I played with him in Scotland earlier this year in July and obviously the final round together last week; again, this week.

“It’s really great to see. He’s such a nice guy, level-headed and good to see him back to where he belongs.”

Manassero return is great for McIlroy and Team Europe

As McIlroy hints at here, there was a time when Matteo Manassero was one of the hottest properties in golf.

For him to go away after losing form and now return to being one of the best players currently on the DP World Tour, is massive.

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For Luke Donald and Team Europe next year, seeing Manassero return to form is a big bonus.

Europe need as many good players to pick from as possible and in the Italian, they have one of the best around if he can maintain his current level of play.