Rory McIlroy may depart Dubai with a coveted double identify: the DP International Championship and the season-long Race to Dubai crown.
McIlroy, of Northern Eire, wishes to complete within the most sensible 11 of the event to seize his 6th season crown. McIlroy will input the general around of the DP International Championship in Dubai on Sunday in a three-way tie for first position, sitting at 12-under after capturing a 68 on Saturday.
Tied with McIlroy are third-round chief Antoine Rozner of France (69) and Dane Rasmus Hojgaard, who rode six birdies at the entrance 9 to a 66 at Jumeirah Golfing Estates.
McIlroy blended six birdies with two bogeys at the around, however could not capitalize on any birdie alternatives after the twelfth hollow, recording pars the remainder of the way in which.
“After the birdie on 12, you realize, I had a superb opportunity,” McIlroy advised journalists after the around. “I hit a in reality just right shot into 13 and simply stuck the brink. After which 14 and 15 are birdie holes, and now not having the ability to birdie both of the ones, and best with a 6-iron in my hand going into the remaining inexperienced and now not making birdie there, as neatly.
“A little bit disenchanted how I performed the ones remaining 5 holes, however nonetheless clearly in a in reality just right place heading into the next day.”
One one that wasn’t disenchanted was once Hojgaard, who picked up six strokes at the box early with six birdies at the entrance 9. He was once 3 strokes off the lead getting into play Saturday, then 3 forward as he made the flip. And on the par-5 No. 18, he stored what seemed to be a certain bogey — or worse — with a par-saving putt.
He mentioned he’s going to method the general around the similar means that he did on Saturday.
“Check out to not concern an excessive amount of of what is forward of me. Attempt to play one hollow at a time and notice if I will be able to get the most productive rating imaginable out of that hollow, identical to 18,” Hojgaard mentioned.
“So yeah, I feel that is my goal for the next day, try to stay the bogeys away.”
Rozner, who entered the around with a one-stroke lead, will input play Sunday with some momentum after an eagle at No. 18 saved him atop the leaderboard.
“I feel the eagle on remaining helped me giant time. I am pleased with my day total,” Rozner mentioned. “I did not produce my best possible golfing of the week up to now however I used to be at all times putting in there. I controlled to hollow a pair putts at the again 9 that have been giant for me.”
Chasing the leaders on Sunday might be Sweden’s Jesper Svensson, whose 68 tied him with Joaquin Niemann of Chile (69) two pictures again at 10-under. England’s Tyrrell Hatton (71) is by myself in 6th position, 3 pictures off the tempo, and Tom McKibbin of Northern Eire and Japan’s Keita Nakajima take a seat at 8-under.
All eyes usually are on McIlroy as he tries to win the event and the season championship in the similar season for the 0.33 time.
“It is a nice alternative to finish the 12 months on a in reality top be aware,” he mentioned. “Going to move in the market the next day and provides it the whole thing I will be able to and optimistically issues fall my means and I am able to stand on that 18th inexperienced with each trophies.”
–Box Stage Media
