Rory McIlroy gave himself an outside chance to win the invitation to Dubai after a 68 on Saturday.
McIlroy will enter the final round at Dubai Creek Resort three shots behind leader Nacho Elvira after the Spaniard also shot a 68.
Elvira is two clear of the field with Ireland’s Shane Lowry, England’s Marcus Armitage and South Africa’s Dylan Fritelli in a three for second place.
McIlroy carded five bogeys to post an incredible three-over 74 on Friday.
The Northern Irishman started his penultimate round with a birdie on the opening par-four before running into a bogey six at the fourth, but hit back with three birdies on the back nine to stay in contention for the title.
McIlroy holds an impressive record in his first tournament of the year, winning once, finishing runner-up on six occasions and 15 top-five finishes.
Speaking after Saturday’s round, he said: “I’d say the key to that is the opportunity to work on some things when you have a bit of time off over the Christmas period and then the enthusiasm to start the new year and start fresh.
“I’ve always loved coming here to the Middle East and to Dubai and playing in these tournaments, even as an amateur. I’ve been coming here for over 20 years and it’s a place where I’m comfortable.”
McIlroy stayed in contention for the title at the Dubai Invitational
Lowry, bidding for his first DP World Tour title since winning the 2022 BMW PGA Championship, started the day atop the leaderboard along with Elvira.
Lowry dropped two shots with bogeys at the third and sixth but managed to respond with three birdies over the final 12 holes in a one-under 70 to keep his hopes alive.
He dropped a shot on the holed Armitage seventh, but made four birdies on the back nine to ensure he was just two behind.
Shane Lowry is in a three-way tie for second behind leader Nacho Elvira
Fritelli impressed with five birdies in a bogey-free round to put himself in the mix. But it’s Elvira – who carded four birdies and a bogey – who holds the lead over the final 18 holes.
In second place, England’s Matt Wallace (69) is five shots off the pace, while compatriot Tommy Fleetwood – despite an impressive third-round 66 – is eight back after surrendering his chance to retain the title with a 78 on Friday.
“Golf is tough and it’s very humbling on you at times and yesterday was one of those days,” Fleetwood said.
“I did the absolute worst I could and everything I could do wrong I did wrong. That was really disappointing. So I’m happy I played well today.”
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