Tyrrell Hatton is a shot behind leader Daniel Hillier after the third round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where Rory McIlroy has made ground.
Hatton’s four-under 68 moves him to 12 under for the tournament and he is the favorite to win a fifth Rolex Series event, with Hillier in unfamiliar territory.
The Kiwi appeared to be feeling the pressure after a hat-trick of bogeys on the back nine but recovered with two birdies to take the lead over Hatton.
“It was tough out there. The wind was kicking around, especially in the middle of the round, but I’m happy with the finish,” Hatton said.
“I’m not very comfortable with the ball, I don’t know why. For the most part, I’ve been hitting some good shots. I feel like I’ve been unlucky at times, but it’s been good to see some shots go in. More need a few shots to throw tomorrow.
“It would mean a lot (to win). I remember as a kid waking up excited to see the Dubai Desert Classic. It’s one that every player would love to have on their resume.”
Hatton leads Daniel Hillier by one shot ahead of the final round in Dubai
Hillier relishes last-round test
World number 223 Hillier has the chance to claim the biggest title of his career so far, with his only previous European Tour victory 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 struggle, but I loved it there,” Hillier said. “I don’t think I’ve played Tyrrell before so it will be fun and a good test. I’m sure he’ll be in the running for the trophy.”
Half-way leader Ewen Ferguson had a tough Saturday with just two birdies and four bogeys to leave himself three shots off the pace, while New Zealand’s Ryan Fox and England’s Laurie Canter are four shots behind Hillier.
McIlroy doesn’t give up
McIlroy’s hopes of a fifth Dubai Desert Classic title hang by a thread despite being tied for 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 birdie the front nine, bogeying the eighth, but came back strong to shoot a three-under 69, leaving him six-under for the event.
Rory McIlroy is seven shots off the lead in the United Arab Emirates
“I started a little slow again. I played a lot better on the back nine,” McIlroy said.
“I hit the ball well. The conditions are tough. It’s windy and it’s hard to get the ball close to the flags. I would have liked to hit a few shots better, but I’m happy with how I played.”
McIlroy will likely need a special performance to drag himself into contention to defend his title and for the top contenders to separate.
Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses in the UK and Ireland
“If the conditions are right, I’ve been able to do that (63) before,” McIlroy said.
“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 on Sunday or stream it NOW.
