Some eight months into their relationship and Rory McIlroy’s seemingly already ‘under the thumb’ of tennis ace, Caroline Wozinacki and declaring he’s happy to be the Dane’s ball boy.
The World No. 2 moved into contention for a second Omega Dubai Desert Classic success with a day two 65 to be tied for the lead at 13-under par on the Emirates course.
Joining McIlroy late in the day was Dane Thomas Bjorn who produced a similar 65 after birding his closing two holes.
Both McIlroy and Bjorn are looking for a second Dubai success with Bjorn having gone four rounds head-to-head with Tiger Woods in winning in 2001.
Tennis ace, Caroline Wozinacki with Rory McIloy's ace father, Gerry watching the action in the 2012 Omega Dubai Desert Classic. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
Spain’s Rafael Cabrera Bello (68) is in second spot at 12-under par.
Three players – Scotland’s Scott Jamieson (68), Frenchman Gregory Bourdy (67) and Germany’s Martin Kaymer (70) – head into round three sharing third place at 11-under par.
The Rolex backed Kaymer recorded the first-ever ace in his career when he holed out at the seventh to win an Omega ‘Seamaster’ wrist watch that he then presented to his trainer.
World No. 4 Wozinacki had spent the morning in a two-hour practice session ahead of next week’s Qatar Open where she finished runner-up last year to Vera Zvonareva.
The Danish-born tennis ace got to the Emirates course as McIlroy was on the fourth green or the 13th hole of his round and lying at 11-under par.
And after signing for a 65 for a 13-under par tally, and his lowest-ever 36 hole tally in seven starts in Dubai, McIlroy was quizzed how he intended to spend the afternoon.
“Well, it all depends on what Carlorine wants to do,” said McIlroy.
Out on the course, the current U.S. Open champion certainly warmed to her presence in landing an 8-iron shot to four feet at his 15th and then moving to 13-under after sending an 8-iron to four feet at the ninth and his final hole.
“I actually do alright when she’s there at the course,” he said.
“She was out practicing this morning, from 8am to 10am, so she did come out and catch me on the back nine.
“I was playing well and she turned up at the back of the fourth. This is her third tournament she’s watched me play, so it’s been good.
“It’s great to have her here, and then it’s nice to get away from the course and sort of take my mind off golf and go be a ball boy at a practice session or whatever it is.”
However when McIlroy was handed a 21cm by 15cm flyer featuring a picture of Wozinacki promoting her appearance in next week’s Qatar Open in Doha, he reacted: “No, you keep it. I see enough of her.”
Meantime –
Wozinacki has skipped the final two rounds in Dubai and was photographed arriving in Doha ahead of this week’s women’s Qatar Open.
