Marc Warren continues to put past Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship efforts to shame to now be staring at victory in the UAE capital.
The Glaswegian holed an eight-foot birdie gem at the last in a third round 68 to be sharing fourth place at 10-under par and only three shots off the lead in the UAE capital
Rory McIlroy posted a 67 to head the near £6m event by a shot at 13-under after Tyrell Hatton missed his birdie putt on 18 in a round of 71.
Marc Warren just three shots from the lead heading to the final round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. (Photo – European Tour)
McIlroy had regrouped from trailing five shots behind through 14 holes of his second round on day two when play was halted, to come out on day three to eventually brush past Hatton as he seeks a first win since November, 2019.
As well, the World No. 6 is looking to end a run of four bridesmaid roles in a dozen Abu Dhabi starts.
McIlroy said: “I can’t go into tomorrow thinking it’s my turn to win. I want to make it my turn. I have to go out there and continue to hit the ball like I have on the back-nine today and if I can do that, and give myself plenty of chances, I will have a real.
Two-time Abu Dhabi winner Tommy Fleetwood grabbed a second straight 67 to in third place at 11-under par.
Warren, 39, continues to celebrate the start of his 15th Tour season in stark contrast to past Abu Dhabi showings and having previously made the cut in just four of 13 Abu Dhabi showings.
His prior best result in the UAE capital was a T26th in 2009 while he’s managed to break 70 in just nine of 39 rounds, and two of those have been this week.
Warren said: “It was nice to finish with a birdie at the last few holes were playing tough in the conditions.
“Looking ahead I will just try to keep on doing what I am doing. I have got my year off to a good start already. The game is feeling comfortable with everything pretty solid so hopefully that continues tomorrow.”
Bathgate’s Stephen Gallacher signed for a 73 to be just inside the top-20 on six-under with Border’s David Drysdale signing for a 68 and move to five-under par.
