DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Top-ranked Rory McIlroy sank a short birdie putt on the 18th hole to join Luke Donald at the top of the leaderboard, putting them three shots ahead of a star-studded field after the third round of the Dubai World Championship on Saturday.
The two-time major champion, who has already wrapped up the European and PGA Tour money titles, struggled early when he bogeyed the first hole and missed several makeable birdie putts. But he stepped up his game on the back nine, carding three birdies and an eagle for a 6-under 66 that put him 17 under for the tournament.
Donald, tied for the lead with McIlroy and Marc Warren after the second round, sank several clutch putts on his way to a 66.
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