McIlroy extends his Augusta advantage

(CNN) -- Rory McIlroy will take a four-stroke lead heading into the final round of the Masters at Augusta National after posting a two-under par round of 70 on Saturday.

The Northern Irishman put together a strong finish on Augusta's notoriously tricky back nine registering birdies at the 13th, 15th and 17th holes which allowed him to open up a four-stroke cushion over his nearest rivals.

"I stayed really patient out there today. I was really happy with the way I stuck to my game plan and it paid off in the end," McIlroy said.

His playing partner, Australian's Jason Day finished the day where he started, on eight-under par and is now joined by K.J. Choi who finished the third round with a one-under par 71.

South Africa's Charl Schwartzel and 2009 champion Angel Cabrera also find themselves in a tie for second place after posting rounds of 68 and 67 respectively.

But it was a disappointing day for Tiger Woods after a stunning second round 66.

The rollercoaster life of 'Mr Masters'

Woods was errant off the tee on occasions but unlike Friday failed to sink any putts, eventually finishing with a two-over par 74, seven shots adrift of McIlroy.

"I hit the ball well all day, that wasn't the problem. I just made nothing," Woods said after his round, while not completely giving up hope on claiming his fifth Green Jacket on Sunday.

"I'm gonna have to put in a good front nine and see what happens," he said.

Woods is currently tied for ninth with five others including Bubba Watson -- whose shot a five-under par 67 on Saturday -- and England's Ross Fisher who had a second consecutive round of 71.

England's Luke Donald and Australia's Adam Scott are currently tied for sixth place on seven-under par.