Published Saturday, 27 October 2012
Rory McIlroy at the second round in Shanghai. (© Getty)
The Holywood man shot a three under round of 69, including four birdies and just one bogey to move to 15-under heading into Sunday's final round.
Swede Peter Hanson, who was one of McIlroy's team-mates during the incredible Ryder Cup victory last month, holds the lead on 16-under.
If the world number one can manage to overhaul him and snatch the victory, it would be his fifth tournament victory this year and would hand him a huge advantage in the Race to Dubai with four weeks to go until the season-ending World Tour Championship.
Hanson admitted on Saturday that he will need everything in his locker if he is to hold off the charge of the USPGA Champion.
"I have to bring my A-game to beat him - he looks very motivated, very focused," the Swede said.
McIlroy shared the lead when Hanson had three bogeys in five holes from the fourth, but the 35-year-old came back with four birdies to reach 16 under par.
The PGA champion matched two of them and also holed a 14-foot putt on the 16th, but he then lipped out from nine feet at the short next and also parred the last for a 69.
"Conditions were a bit trickier," the 23-year-old said.
"They moved a few tees around and the wind was up a bit and from a different direction.
"You had to think about it a bit more, but I kept myself in the tournament and it's always nice to go out in the last group on the last day. I'll go out there and give it my all."
Also in Shanghai, Michael Hoey is tied for fourth place on 11-under, while Graeme McDowell is a shot further back on 10 under.
Darren Clarke is well off the pace on four-over.