Tyrrell Hatton is one point behind leader Daniel Hillier after the third round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where Rory McIlroy built a lead.
Hatton's 4-under 68 moves him to 12 under for the tournament and he is a favorite to win the fifth Rolex Series event, with Hillier in unfamiliar territory.
The Kiwis appeared to be feeling the pressure after a triple of bogey on the back nine but recovered with two birdies to take the lead over Hatton.
Top 10 in the Dubai Desert Classic after the third round
“It was tough out there. The wind was blowing, especially in the middle of the round, but I'm happy with the end,” Hatton said.
“I don't feel very comfortable on the ball, I don't know why. For the most part, I hit some good shots. I feel like I wasn't lucky sometimes but it was nice to see a goal.” A few hits go in. I need some hits to drop it tomorrow.
“It would mean a lot to win. I remember as a kid waking up excited to watch the Dubai Desert Classic. It’s a tournament any player would want to have on their CV.”
Tyrrell Hatton will be confident of his chances of playing for Team Europe in last year's Ryder Cup, live on Sky Sports
Heller relishes the final round test
World number 223 Hillier has a chance to claim the biggest title of his career to date, with his only previous European Tour win coming at the 2023 British Masters.
Hillier was four shots ahead at one point and says a win on Sunday would be “life-changing.”
“It was tough but I enjoyed it out there,” Hillier said. “I don't think I've played with Tyrrell before, so it will be fun and a good test. I'm sure he'll be excited to get his hands on the trophy.”
Midway leader Eoin Ferguson had a difficult day on Saturday with just two birdies and four bogeys to leave himself three shots off the lead, while New Zealander Ryan Fox and England's Laurie Kanter are four shots behind Hillier.
McIlroy doesn't give up
McIlroy's hopes of winning a fifth Dubai Desert Classic are hanging by a thread, despite moving up to 12th place.
The 35-year-old, who is looking to end his long wait for a major title 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, bopping the eighth, but came back strong to card a three-under 69, which left him six under for the event.
Rory McIlroy is seven strokes 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 a lot better on the back nine,” McIlroy said.
“I hit the ball well. The conditions are tough. It's windy and it's difficult to get the ball close to the flags. I wish I could have hit some better shots but I'm happy with the way I played.”
McIlroy will likely need a special performance to push himself into contention to defend his title and for the main contenders to collapse.
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“If the conditions are right, I've been able to do it (63) before,” McIlroy said.
“If I can get a goal in front, that's the key. If I can start faster tomorrow, I have a chance.”
Watch the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic live on Sky Sports Golf from 7am, Sunday or Stream with now.
