Haotong Li edges ahead of Rory McIlroy at Dubai Desert Classic
Sunday 28 January 2018 15:57, UK
Haotong Li held off the challenge of Rory McIlroy to take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
The world No 60 fired eight birdies in a blemish-free 64 at Emirates Golf Club to get to 20 under and move ahead of the Northern Irishman, who had to complete 25 holes after Friday's fog delays.
McIlroy birdied five of his final seven holes to close a second-round 64 and grab the midway advantage, before recovering from a slow start to his third round to post a four-under 68.
"I'm quite happy," Li said. "I've never been in this position before, so it's going to be fun out there tomorrow. Hopefully I can do my best out there and have some low scores."
Holding a two-shot cushion after 36 holes, McIlroy birdied the second but missed a close-range putt at the fourth and dropped another shot at the eighth to reach the turn in 37.
Li made a fast start with three birdies in his first five holes and posted three gains in a four-hole stretch around the turn, as McIlroy responded by making an eagle-three at the 10th and picking up a shot at the 13th.
A five-foot gain at the 16th moved McIlroy within one of Li, before the pair exchanged birdies at the par-five last to ensure they will be out in the final group on Sunday.
Alexander Levy briefly topped the leaderboard after making a hole-in-one at the par-three fourth and posting five consecutive birdies around the turn, with the Frenchman's seven-under 65 putting him tied-third with Haydn Porteous.
Six birdies on the back nine helped Andy Sullivan to a round-of-the-day 63 and fifth spot, with David Horsey a further shot back and defending champion Sergio Garcia in the group at 11 under.
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First-round leader Jamie Donaldson slipped out of contention with a three-over 75, while Race to Dubai champion Tommy Fleetwood lies in a share of 21st after carding a six-under 66.
Watch the final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday from 8.30am on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event.
