Sports

McIlroy leads by 3 in Dubai; Reed's drive gets stuck in tree

Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed produced big first-round finishes at the Dubai Desert Classic in what could lead to an intriguing showdown as the competition heads to a Monday conclusion

Sentinel Digital Desk

DUBAI: Rory McIlroy heads into Monday's final round in a strong position to win a third Hero Dubai Desert Classic title after firing a sensational third-round 65 to open up a three-shot lead.

The World No.1 began the day two shots behind the halfway co-leaders but opened his third round with four successive birdies to hit the front at Emirates Golf Club.

The 2009 and 2015 champion was caught at the summit after making eight straight pars from the fifth but bounced back with a hat-trick of birdies at the 13th, 14th and 15th before another gain on the 17th handed him a huge lead.

But after hitting his approach at the 18th into the water, he finished with his only bogey of the day to go into the clubhouse on 15 under par, three clear of Englishmen Dan Bradbury and Callum Shinkwin.

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