DP World Tour : Hero Dubai Desert Classic Leaderboard Tee Times
Rory McIlroy took a huge step closer to an "amazing" fourth title at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic with a stunning round-three surge through the field at Emirates Golf Club.
The Northern Irishman arrived in Dubai level with Ernie Els for most wins at this event but entered the weekend ten shots back after starting his week 71-70.
With a stacked field to overcome in the first Rolex Series event of the season, McIlroy knew he needed to do something special to defend his title and he produced just that with a brilliant bogey-free 63.
A remarkable eagle putt from off the green on the par-five last moved him to -12 and the World Number Two was excited to have the chance to win a third Rolex Series title, sixth event in Dubai and fourth Dallah Trophy.
However Cameron Young will take a two-shot lead into the the final round after carding a gutsy 71 on day three at Emirates Golf Club.
The American entered the weekend with a three-shot advantage but found himself one back as he turned in 37, with three-time champion Rory McIlroy setting the target at -12.
The World Number 25 found another gear on the back nine, however, carding three birdies to get to -14 under in the first Rolex Series event of the season.
Adrian Meronk will join them in the final pairing on Sunday 68 66 70 -12.
Rory said "It would be amazing," he said. "First player to get my name on it four times, it would be awesome.
"I've had so much success in Dubai, whether it be at this tournament or over at Jumeirah Golf Estates and Race to Dubai. It's been a really, really good place to me.
"I love coming back here. I really enjoy my time here. It would be amazing if I was able to get another win."
McIlroy got going with a brilliant shot from the rough to two feet at the first and while he missed out at the gettable second, he got up and down for birdie at the par-five third. A golden patch then followed with his irons as he put a tee-shot to seven feet at the seventh, an approach to similar range at the eighth and a towering eight iron to five feet at the ninth to turn in 30.
"But you know, for the rest of the day, I played some very, very good golf. Definitely better than I played the last couple of days and nice to get myself right back in the tournament.
"I think for me, the key to this golf course is always the front nine because it is the tougher nine and if you can play that nine well, you give yourself a ton of momentum going into the more scorable back nine."
Canada's Aaron Cockerill remains in the top 10, splitting 4 birdies with 4 bogey's on a windier Saturday at the Emirates GC. T10 71,67,72 -6 with a chance to improve on his #42 place ranking in the Race to Dubai with a good finish tomorrow.
1136 1st Aaron Cockerill, Nicolai Hojgaard
europeantour.com
Bryan Angus (edit)
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