Hillier edges ahead in Dubai as McIlroy eyes final-round comeback

DUBAI - 19 JAN - New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier secured a one-shot lead going into the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic after birdieing his last two holes for a 13-under-par 203 total. Despite holding a three-shot advantage midway through the back nine, Hillier faced challenges with three consecutive bogeys from the 13th to 15th holes before finishing strong. The 26-year-old, who won the 2023 British Masters, hopes for a “life-changing” victory after a challenging season without a top-10 finish in 27 starts. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy climbed to six-under after carding four birdies on the back nine, leaving him seven strokes behind and needing a low final round, possibly a 63, to contend.

Hillieris trailed by Tyrrell Hatton, who sits at 12-under after a 68, and Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson, solo third at 10-under. Hatton, who has been in excellent form with three consecutive top-six finishes on the DP World Tour, overcame swirling winds and mixed play, including an eagle on the second hole and four birdies on the back nine. However, his frustrations on the seventh hole, where he struck a tee marker, drew attention, though he downplayed the incident. Ryan Fox and Laurie Canter are tied for fourth at 9-under, as players prepare for a dramatic final round at Emirates Golf Club.