Dubai, Jan. 29 (BNA) Rory McIlroy is two points ahead of leader Justin Harding after the third round of the Dubai Desert Classic on Saturday as the Northern Irish try to win the championship for the third time.
McIlroy fired a 3-under 69 to move up to a 10-under total in the tournament he won in 2009 and 2015. He closed the gap on Harding, who maintained his advantage halfway with a 71 at Emirates Golf Club, according to reports.
On the back nine, McIlroy hit an impressive three-second shots in 5s that set up an eagle and two sparrows. He had two more sparrows in front nine with three ghost a day.
Tommy Fleetwood (69) and Eric Van Roen (71) are both three-strokes from the lead, one shot from a group of six that includes Paul Casey (70) and Terrell Hutton (73).
Harding was disappointed not to add sparrows on the last two slots. It ended with two sparrows and a ghost.
“The greens are tough,” said the South African. “It’s solid but when you cut it it’s hard to chop it up close. You find yourself making 4 or 5 feet all day long.”
However, Harding said he is pleased with his position heading into Sunday.
“At the end of the day, I have to go out and keep doing what I’m doing, make two flyers and shoot 70, 69, something like that, and have them shoot 5 or 6 under par, credited to them,” he said.
Three-time Main Champion Padraig Harrington (69) came back with five shots to the back.
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