MIAMI (AFP) – Rory McIlroy made a charge into contention but Charley Hoffman closed with a 70-foot birdie putt to match Kevin Kisner for the lead after Saturday’s third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

McIlroy, preparing his bid for a Masters win next month that would give him a career Grand Slam, fired a seven-under par 65 to stand on 210 in a share of eighth after a 74-71 start to the week.
‘‘At least I’ve given myself a decent chance,’’ McIlroy said. ‘‘At least I’m in with a shout and if I get off to a fast start I can be right in there.
‘‘Hopefully the wind starts to get up and I can be somewhere close to the lead tomorrow.’’
And it was a good sign as he looks toward a possible fifth major title and quest for a first green jacket in just three weeks at Augusta National.