Matsuyama in charge as McIlroy fades away

World No 3 Hideki Matsuyama took control at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational title as the £7.5 million event headed for its climax in Akron, Ohio.

The Japanese star was three shots clear of American Zach Johnson at 14 under with two holes to play with Scotland’s Russell Knox finishing alongside Rory McIlroy at seven under.

Charley Hoffman, who carded four birdies in his first seven holes, shot a 66 to finish 10 under.

McIlroy’s challenge faded after an ideal start to his round.

He began the day three shots off the lead shared by Ryder Cup partner Thomas Pieters and Johnson, but made three birdies in the first six holes at the Firestone Club.

However, after finding rough off the ninth tee and coming up short of the green, the four-time major winner hit a clumsy pitch which ran through the green and failed to get up and down to save par.

Further shots went at the 14th and 15th for the 2014 winner as he dropped back.

A closing birdie saw him join England’s Paul Casey, Canada’s Adam Hadwin and Knox at seven under and in a tie for fifth place.

The Scot had looked set to finish even higher after a birdie at 13 took him to four under for the day but three bogeys and a birdie in his final four holes saw him sign for a 68.

Matsuyama chipped in for an eagle on the par-five second and also birdied the third, sixth and ninth to reach the turn in just 30 shots.

Further birdies at the 13th and 16th put him firmly in control.

Scotland’s Paul Lawrie closed with a 71 for seven over

McIlroy’s victory at Firestone in 2014 was sandwiched between major titles in the Open Championship and US PGA, but the 28-year-old has failed to win a major since and split from his long-term caddie JP Fitzgerald after finishing fourth at Royal Birkdale last month.

The Northern Irishman has employed his best man Harry Diamond in Akron and for next week’s US PGA at Quail Hollow, where he won his first PGA Tour title in 2010.