Dustin’s blip gifts Chappell a share of the lead in Georgia

DUSTIN JOHNSON double-bogeyed the 17th hole to offer the rest of the field hope in the season-ending Tour Championship.

The American followed rounds of 66 and 67 with a 69 as he shared the lead on eight-under-par with compatriot Kevin Chappell (68) going into the final day.

With untold millions up for grabs in Georgia, Rory McIlroy fired an excellent 66 to move into contention just two shots off the lead.

The Northern Irishman is alongside American Ryan Moore, who also shot 66.

Johnson had a commanding four-shot lead with two holes remaining but dropped two shots on 17 after wildly missing the fairway to the right. Playing partner Chappell birdied, to compound the damage and wipe out his advantage going into today’s final round at East Lake.

Meanwhile, it was a disappointing day for Scot Russell Knox.

His second-round 66 propelled him up the leaderboard but a one-over-par 71 yesterday left him tied for 11th on even par for the tournament.

Hideki Matsuyama of Japan moved into fifth place with his round of 68.

He is a shot ahead of Englishman Paul Casey (69) and South African Charl Schwartzel, who was another to take route 66 on the third day.

A shot further back in ninth place is Justin Thomas of the United States on two under and the top 10 is completed by Argentine Emiliano Grillo, whose 66 left him a shot further back on one under.