Rory McIlroy shot a 3-under 68 on Saturday to give himself a chance to win the Dubai Invitational.
McIlroy also carded a 68, giving him a three-stroke lead over leader Nacho Elvira heading into the final round at Dubai Creek Resort.
Elvira is in second place in a three-way tie with Ireland’s Shane Lawrie, Britain’s Marcus Armitage and South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli, two strokes behind.
On Friday, McIlroy carded five bogeys for a commanding 3-over 74.
The Northern Irishman started the penultimate round with a birdie on the par-4 opener, but stumbled to a bogey six on the fourth, but fought back with three birdies on the back nine to put himself in contention for the title.
McIlroy has an impressive track record this year, with one win, six runner-up finishes and 15 top-five finishes.
After Saturday’s round, he said: “The key to that is the opportunity to work on some things when we have some free time over the Christmas period, and then the enthusiasm to start fresh in the new year.
“Even as an amateur, I loved coming here to the Middle East and Dubai and playing in these tournaments. I’ve been coming here for over 20 years and this is a comfortable place for me.”
McIlroy puts himself in contention for title at Dubai Invitational
Lowry, seeking his first DP World Tour title since winning the 2022 BMW PGA Championship, started the day alongside Elvira at the top of the leaderboard.
Lowry lost two strokes with bogeys on the third and sixth holes, but he made three birdies in the final 12 holes and responded with a 1-under 70, keeping his hopes alive.
Armitage’s aim was ruined when he dropped a shot on the seventh, but he made four birdies on the back nine to close in on the lead.
Shane Lowry is tied for third behind leader Nacho Elvira.
Frittelli made five birdies in a bogey-free round and moved up in the standings. But it was Elvira who held the advantage heading into the final 18 holes with four birdies and one bogey.
Elsewhere, England’s Matt Wallace (69) is five shots off the pace, while compatriot Tommy Fleetwood is eight shots behind after a 78 on Friday gave up his chance to defend his title despite a fine third-round 66.
“Golf is difficult and can be very humbling at times and yesterday was one of those days,” Fleetwood said.
“I got my worst score and everything I did wrong was wrong. It was really disappointing. So I’m really happy that I played well today.”
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