Daniel Hillier will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic after birdieing the last two holes at Emirates Golf Club.
The New Zealander had been four shots clear at one stage on Saturday after three birdies in his first five holes at the Majlis Course.
However, three consecutive bogeys from the 13th left the door ajar for the chasing pack and England’s Tyrrell Hatton took full advantage with a 68 to set the clubhouse target at 12 under par.
Hillier responded with a birdie from six feet at the 17th then cleared the water by a whisker with his second to the last to set up a routine up-and-down gain as he signed for a two-under 70.
The 26-year-old will go in search of a second DP World Tour title tomorrow, and first Rolex Series victory, following his breakthrough win at the 2023 Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo.
“It was a grind,” Hillier said afterwards. “I figured it was going to be that at the start of the day with all that wind. It was tough but I enjoyed it out there. Have a crack at it tomorrow.
“Well, we thought we had plenty of club going in there (the 18th). We were trying to hit it long left. Only 200 to carry the water and I hit 5-wood. Usually that’s 235, 240 club and just spun into the first cut.
“Yeah, it will be good. I don’t think I’ve played with Tyrrell before, so that should be fun. It will be a good test. He’ll be raring to get his hands on that trophy but I’d love to do the same. It will be a fun day.
“It would be life-changing (to win). Last year was pretty tough. It was a bit of a grind. I was getting pretty frustrated with myself towards the end of the year. Gave myself a little bit of a break and time to reset, and I’m feeling refreshed. Yeah, excited for tomorrow.”
Meanwhile Hatton, a seven-time DP World Tour winner, is keen to add another “iconic event” to his impressive CV with a win on Sunday equalling Jon Rahm’s record of five Rolex Series titles.
“It was pretty tough out there to be honest,” Hatton said. “The wind was swirling around which made it hard to get the right club at times, especially around the middle of the round. It felt like it really picked up for a moment there, and certainly made things challenging. But I’m happy with the finish. So good position going into tomorrow.
“To be honest I don’t feel super comfortable over the ball. So I don’t know why that is. But for the most part I’ve been hitting some good shots. Feel like I’ve been a little bit unlucky at times as well out there but that’s kind of part and parcel of golf.
“It would mean a lot. I remember as a kid, waking up early in the morning on Thursday and Friday and being excited to watch the Desert Classic.
“It’s an iconic event on the DP World Tour, and I think it’s certainly one of those events that you could probably ask any player out here, and it’s one that they would love to have on their C.V. I’ll go out there tomorrow and give it my absolute best, which is all I can do, and see how we go tomorrow.”
Overnight leader Ewen Ferguson shot a two-over 74 to lie third on ten under, with England’s Laurie Canter and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox tied for fourth a shot further back.
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