Despite a bogey on his 18th hole, Rory McIlroy showed during this third round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic his strengths as world number 1 and signs a card of 65 (-7). With his total of -15, the Northern Irishman is three strokes ahead of his first pursuers. Victor Perez, victorious last week, will join the victory on the last lap: he is fourth at -11.

Rory McIlroy solid leader of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Rory McIlroy during the third round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic – via Twitter @DPWorldTour

Postponed due to the bad weather that hit Dubai, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will end this Monday. After three rounds of golf on this course nestled among the skyscrapers, world number 1 Rory McIlroy is in the lead with a total of -15. The Northern Irishman signs a card of 65 (-7) despite a bogey on par 5 of 18. He had started his day in the best possible way with four birdies on his first four holes.

Rory will try on this last round, to add his name to the winners of this tournament for the third time. He won in 2009 and 2015.

Callum Shinkwin and Dan Bradbury are the first pursuers of McIlroy: they are three strokes behind the first place with their score of -12.

Victor Perez, victorious last week in Abu Dhabi, is surfing on his current form. He is currently fourth at -11. The French number 1 signs a good card of 66 (-6).

Julien Brun is close to the top 10 in this Rolex Series tournament. He is 11th with a total of -10.

Three other French people also made the cut. Romain Langasque is 38th with a total of -6. Julien Guerrier is 53rd with a total of -4 and Antoine Rozner is one step behind at -3 in 65th position.

To find the complete leaderboard of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic: click here.

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