DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Daniel Hillier birdied the final two holes on Saturday for a 2-under 70 to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic, with the 223rd-ranked New Zealander earning the biggest win of his career.
Tyrrell Hatton scored 68 in the third round and was the closest challenger to 26-year-old Hillier, whose only victory on the European tour came at the British Masters in July 2023. He has not finished in the top 10 since the championship. Open de España in October 2023
Hillier was 13 below par for the week.
“It would be life-changing,” Hillier said.
“Last year was quite difficult. It was a bit of a grind. By the end of the year I was quite frustrated with myself. I’ve given myself some break and time to reset and I feel refreshed. Yes, I’m excited for tomorrow.
Rory McIlroy, seeking a third straight title at the prestigious tournament, was seven shots off the pace and finished 12th after a round of 69. After the front nine he was 1 ahead and didn’t manage to make a single birdie.
“I’d have to go out tomorrow and hit 63 shots,” said No. 3-ranked McIlroy. “If the conditions are right, I’ve been able to do it before, especially if I can score on the front nine against a good back nine.
“My key tomorrow will be that if I can get a quicker start and get three or four (under) up front, then I’ll have a chance.”
Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson led after the second round but shot only a 74 to drop to third place at 10 under, three strokes behind Hillier.
Despite teeing off the seventh hole on Saturday, Hatton lost the lead in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Hatton, who plays on the LIV Golf circuit, appears to be the biggest threat to Hillier. The seven-time European tour winner made a 2-foot putt for eagle at second, then recovered from three bogeys in six holes to close out the front nine with four birdies and five pars.
“I remember as a kid getting up early on Thursday and Friday and being excited to watch the Desert Classic,” said 17th-place Hatton. “It’s an iconic event on the DP World Tour and I think it’s definitely one of those events that you could probably ask any player here that they’d like to have on their resume.”
