Spain’s Nacho Elvira took a two-shot lead into Sunday’s final round of the DP World Tour’s Dubai Invitational.
The 38-year-old Elvira, ranked No. 190 in the world, carded a 3-under-par 68 on Saturday at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club to move to 8-under for the tournament. He offset a bogey at the par-4 seventh hole with birdies at Nos. 9, 10, 13 and 17.
South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli (66 on Saturday), England’s Marcus Armitage (68) and Ireland’s Shane Lowry (70) are tied for second at 6-under, with World No. 2 Rory McIlroy (68) of Northern Ireland another shot back in solo fifth.
McIlroy climbed back into contention with three birdies on the back nine at the par-5 10th and 13th holes and the par-3 16th.
“I have always loved coming out here to the Middle East and to Dubai and playing in these tournaments, even as an amateur,” McIlroy said. “I have been coming here for over 20 years and it’s a place I’m comfortable in.”
Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen (66), Spain’s David Puig (70) and South Africa’s Jacques Kruyswijk (66) are tied for sixth at 4-under. Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood of England is T20 at even par after a round of 66.
