Daniel Hillier will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic after birdieing the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club.
The New Zealander had been four shots clear at one stage on Saturday after three birdies by the 5th hole.
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.
Overnight leader Ewen Ferguson shot a two-over 74 to lie third on 10 under, with England’s Laurie Canter and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox tied for fourth a shot further back.
South Africans Dylan Frittelli and Shaun Norris sit at eight under par (T6) after rounds of 67 and 72, respectively, on day three. Fellow countrymen Louis de Jager and Casey Jarvis are tied at four under (T25) after shooting 73 and 72, respectively.
Meanwhile, Jayden Schaper impressed with a 67, overcoming two bogeys with seven birdies to end on five under (T19).
– Edited report from DP World Tour website
Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
