By Christopher Powers
Tommy Fleetwood and Keegan Bradley were supposed to have a weekend duel at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, as the duo sat tied at the top of the leader board through 36 holes, four shots clear of the field. After combining to shoot seven-over par in the third round, they’ll each need to come from behind to win on Sunday.

Their struggles gave way to another potential duel in the final round between a pair of Europeans in Matthew Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy, who each made a huge move on Saturday at Bay Hill. McIlroy tied for the low round of the day, carding a six-under 66 that featured birdies on three of his last four holes. To defend his API title though, he’ll need to overtake Fitzpatrick, whose five-under 67 put him at nine-under 207, one lower than McIlroy.

Like Fleetwood, his fellow countryman, Fitzpatrick has never won a PGA Tour event but has a strong record on the European Tour with five victories. He hopes those experiences pay off on Sunday.

“It’s a lot different over here, I feel,” said Fitzpatrick of the PGA Tour. “Different atmosphere, different styles of golf course, different fields. It’s exciting, I’ve put myself in a good position, so I’m looking forward to it.”

The 24-year-old was one of just two players on Saturday to shoot a bogey-free round, an impressive feat especially considering his final two holes. Fitzpatrick made a pair of sand saves that could have been disastrous look easy, and thanks to those he’ll be in the final group with a good friend.

“It’s great, he’s defending champion, he’s got a ton of fans over here. I’ve become good friends with him, [I] moved down to Jupiter [Fla.] for the winter months and I’ve spent a good bit of time with him there. It will be a fun day.”

McIlroy, who teed off at 11 a.m. and posted his 66 and got in the clubhouse early, will look to finally capitalize on his solid run of form. If he can win it will mark the fourth time a player has defended his title at Bay Hill in the last decade. Tiger Woods has done it two of those times (2008-2009, 2012-2013) and Matt Every the other (2014-2015).

Aaron Baddeley, Kevin Kisner and Matt Wallace are two back in a tie for third at seven-under 209.