Rory McIlroy's quest for a second US Open title is all but over after a disappointing third round at Pinehurst that saw the Northern Irishman slip down the leaderboard.

Beginning the day at one-under-par, the former world number one dropped shots at the second, fourth, fifth, sixth and ninth holes as his round unravelled before reaching the turn.

After going out in 40, McIlroy's fortunes started to improve with birdies at 10 and 13, but he quickly gave a stroke back at the 14th hole as hopes of a resurgence were swept away.

Defending champion Justin Rose fared better on the unforgiving Pinehurst course as he shot a level-par 70 to leave himself one-over going into the final day, still in with a shot of a top-10 finish.