Tyrell Hutton is one shot behind leader Daniel Hillier after the third round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which saw Rory McIlroy drop back.
Hutton’s four-under 68 moves him to 12 under for the tournament and he is the favorite to win the fifth Rolex Series event, with Hiller in unfamiliar territory.
The Kiwi looked to be feeling the pressure after nine hat-tricks but recovered with two birdies to take the lead over Hutton.
Dubai Desert Classic top 10 after round three
“It was tough out there. The wind was kicking around, especially in the middle of the round, but I’m happy with the finish,” Hutton said.
“I don’t feel very comfortable with the ball, I don’t know why. Few shots go in.
“It would mean a lot (to win). I remember waking up to watch the Dubai Desert Classic as a kid. It’s one that any player would want to have on their CV.”
Hutton is one stroke behind Daniel Hillier ahead of the final round in Dubai
Hiller enjoys the final round of testing
World No. 223 Hillier has the chance to claim the biggest title of his career so far, with his only previous European Tour win coming at the 2023 British Masters.
Hiller led by four strokes at one point and says a win on Sunday would be “life-changing”.
“It was a tease, but I enjoyed it,” Hiller said. “I don’t think I’ve played Tyrell before, so it’s going to be fun and a good test. I’m sure he’ll get his hands on the trophy.”
Half-way leader Ewen Ferguson had a difficult Saturday with just two birdies and four bogeys to leave him three shots clear, while New Zealand’s Ryan Fox and England’s Laurie Kanter are four shots behind Hillier.
McIlroy is not giving up
McIlroy’s hopes of a fifth Dubai Desert Classic title hang in the balance despite finishing 12th.
The 35-year-old, who is looking to end his long wait for a major in 2025, started the day nine shots off the lead and closed his deficit with a 69 to seven under.
He couldn’t birdie the front nine, bogeying the eighth, but came back strongly from a three-under 69 to leave him at 6-under for the event.
Rory McIlroy is seven shots ahead in the UAE
“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. It’s windy and it’s hard to get the ball closer to the flags, but I’m happy with my game.”
McIlroy will likely need a special performance to enter contention to defend his title and topple the main contenders.
Get the best prices and book on one of 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland
“If the conditions are right, I’ve been able to do it (63) before,” McIlroy said.
“If you can score on the back nine, that’s the key. If I can start faster tomorrow, I’ll have a chance.”
Watch the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic live on Sky Sports Golf from 7am on Sunday or stream NOW!
