Daniel Hillier takes lead after windy day

Daniel Hillier started the day in second place one shot behind the lead and recorded six birdies and four bogeys for a 70 to move into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic lead by one shot at 13-under heading into the final day.

“It was a grind,” said the New Zealander. “I figured it was going to be that at the start of the day with all that wind. It was tough but I enjoyed it out there. Have a crack at it tomorrow.

“I don’t think I’ve played with Tyrrell before, so that should be fun. It will be a good test. He’ll be raring to get his hands on that trophy but I’d love to do the same. It will be a fun day.

“[A win] would be life-changing. Last year was pretty tough. It was a bit of a grind. I was getting pretty frustrated with myself towards the end of the year. Gave myself a little bit of a break and time to reset, and I’m feeling refreshed. Yeah, excited for tomorrow.”

Hillier has won once previously on the DP World Tour, at the 2023 Betfred British Masters.

England’s Tyrrell Hatton made an eagle at the par-4 2nd hole as well as five birdies and three bogeys to card a 68 and move into second place at 12-under.

Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson who held the 36-hole lead made just two birdies and four bogeys to move down into third place at 10-under.

England’s Laurie Canter made five birdies and four bogeys for a 71 and a share of fourth place at 9-under alongside Kiwi Ryan Fox who shot six birdies and three bogeys for a 69 .

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