Tyrrell Hatton is one shot behind leader Daniel Hillier after round three of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where Rory McIlroy has made up ground.
Hatton’s four-under 68 moves him onto 12 under for the tournament and he is favourite to win a fifth Rolex Series event, with Hillier in unfamiliar territory.
The Kiwi appeared to feel the pressure after a hat-trick of bogeys on the back nine but recovered with two birdies to take the lead over Hatton.
The top 10 of the Dubai Desert Classic after the third round
“It was tough out there. The wind was swirling around, especially in the middle of the round but I’m happy with the finish,” said Hatton.
“I don’t feel super comfortable over the ball, I don’t know why that is. For the most part, I’ve been hitting some good shots. I feel like I was unlucky at times but it’s been nice to see a few putts go in. I need some putts to drop tomorrow.
“It would mean a lot [to win]. I remember as a kid waking up, excited to watch the Dubai Desert Classic. It’s one that any player would love to have on their CV.”
Tyrrell Hatton will be confident about his chances of playing for Team Europe in the Ryder Cup last this year, live on Sky Sports
Hiller relishing final-round test
World No 223 Hillier has the opportunity to claim the biggest title of his career so far, with his only previous European Tour win coming at the 2023 British Masters.
Hillier had a four-shot lead at one point and says victory on Sunday would be “life-changing”.
“It was a grind but I enjoyed it out there,” said Hillier. “I don’t think I’ve played with Tyrrell before, so that will be fun and a good test. I’m sure he will be raring to get his hands on the trophy.”
Halfway leader Ewen Ferguson had a difficult Saturday with only two birdies and four bogeys to leave himself three shots off the pace, while New Zealander Ryan Fox and England’s Laurie Canter are four shots behind Hillier.
McIlroy not giving up
McIlroy’s hopes of a fifth Dubai Desert Classic title are hanging by a thread, despite moving into 12th.
The 35-year-old, who is looking to end his long wait for a major in 2025, started the day nine shots off the lead and closed his deficit to seven with a round of 69.
He failed to make a birdie on the front nine, bogeying the eighth, but came back strong to card a three-under 69, leaving him six-under for the event.
Rory McIlroy sits seven shots off the lead after the third round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic
“I got off to a bit of a slow start again. I played much better on the back nine,” said McIlroy.
“I hit the ball well. The conditions are tough. It’s windy and hard to get the ball close to the flags. I would have liked to have shot a few shots better but I’m happy with how I played.”
McIlroy will likely need a special performance to haul himself into contention to defend his title and for the main contenders to fall apart.
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“If the conditions are right, I’ve been able to do that [63] before,” said McIlroy.
“If you can make a score on the front nine, that’s the key. If I can get off to a faster start tomorrow, I’ve got a chance.”
Watch the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, live on Sky Sports Golf from 7am, Sunday or stream with NOW.
