Garcia and McIlroy struggle in Denver

Billy Horschel took advantage of disappointing rounds from Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy to secure a three shot lead heading into the final round of the BMW Championship in Denver.

The American, who fired a flawless 63, came into the third day two shots behind leader Garcia and alongside world number one McIlroy but the European duo struggled.

Both men shot two over par 72s with McIlroy incredibly four putting from four feet on the 12th to record a triple bogey six as he slipped nine shots behind the leader.

Horschel made things look much easier as he recorded seven birdies to move to 13 under, three shots ahead of fellow American Ryan Palmer who recorded a 67.

That left Palmer on course for the high finish he needs to move into the top 30 in the FedEx Cup rankings and play in next week's Tour Championship.

The top 30 in the FedEx Cup rankings after this weekend will go to Atlanta next week where the points will be reset so every player has a chance of claiming the 10million US dollar (£6.1million) bonus.

Masters champion Martin Kaymer and US Open champion Bubba Watson are both on eight under with Rickie Fowler a further shot back followed by Garcia.

Horschel birdied the first and the eighth in what was an unspectacular front nine but came to life after the turn picking up further shots on 10, 14, 15, 17 and 18.

McIlroy was still very much in the mix as he began his back nine just a shot adrift of Horschel but the triple on 12 saw him tumble down the leaderboard as he came home in 39.

Palmer recorded six birdies and three bogeys in an up and down 67 while Kaymer registered eight birdies and two dropped shots.

Watson was flawless in carding a 66 and Fowler dropped a single shot on his way to the same score.

United States Ryder Cup duo Jordan Spieth and Jim Furyk were on five under alongside Canadian Graham DeLaet with McIlroy in the group a further shot back.