Patrick Reed extended his lead to four shots ahead of the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic as Viktor Hovland surged into contention on Saturday.
Reed, who led by a shot going into Saturday’s third round, was only level par after two bogeys and two birdies in his first six holes, but then regained control of his game – and the tournament – as he made five more birdies without blemish at Emirates Golf Club.
Norway’s Hovland tied for the low round of the day as he shot a seven-under par 65 to move within five strokes of Reed, with Spain’s David Puig a shot closer to the American in second.
Rory McIlroy was unable to catapult himself into contention, making just two birdies on his way to shooting a 71, which left him 11 shots back from Reed.
England’s Andy Sullivan started the day a shot back from Reed but was left alongside Hovland in third after only managing to shoot a 71.
Francesco Molinari finished alongside Andrea Pavan on eight-under as the Italian pair failed to push on from strong positions, both also shooting 71.
More to follow…
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