DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Nacho Elvira will take a two-shot lead heading into the final day of the Dubai Invitational after shooting a 3-under 68 in Saturday’s third round, while Rory McIlroy and Sean Lowry also remain in contention.
Elvira opened the tournament tied with Lowry for the lead and got off to a slow start with a six and a bogey on the seventh hole, but birdies on the ninth, 10th, 13th and 17th meant he led the way with a total of 8-under 205.
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Lowry was tied for second with Marcus Armitage and Dylan Frittelli, who had his best round of the day with a 65.
McIlroy had three birdies on the back nine for a 68 and was one shot behind on the fifth hole.
Elvira’s only previous victories on the European Tour came at the 2021 Cazo Open and the 2024 Soudal Open.
The Dubai Invitational is held every two years. Two years ago, Tommy Fleetwood won the final round due to two huge mistakes by McIlroy on the back nine. Fleetwood finished tied for 20th in the even-par event on Saturday.
The Dubai Desert Classic will be held next week, and McIlroy has won four times. He also won the season-ending DP World Tour title in Dubai three times.
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AP Golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf