Rory McIlroy’s chances at the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship have been hit by a two shot penalty, incurred during today’s third round.

McIlroy was penalised two shots for an incorrect drop on the second hole, which, it was adjudged, saw McIlroy placing his foot on a boundary line when taking the dropped shot. The offence meant McIlroy had not taken full relief and his round of 68 became 70. The Northern Irishman had pulled to within 1 shot of the leader, Scot Craig Lee, on 11 under, before the penalty saw him drop back to 9 under and tied for fourth.

After the round McIlroy criticised the rule, and admitted he was frustrated by the decision: “I’m going to go and hit the gym so hard,” he said.

“I’m going to run myself into the ground to try to get some of the frustration out. “There are a lot of stupid rules in golf and this is one of them.”

Lee leads on 12 under, with Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar and Phil Mickelson level two shots back. Mickelson carded round of 63 today to force himself back into contention.

Michael Hoey is 4 shots off the lead, on 8 under.