McIlroy leads the way

Rory McIlroy produced two timely eagles on Saturday to take charge of the delayed Dubai Desert Classic and remain in the hunt for a maiden professional title.

Rory McIlroy Rory McIlroy

The 19-year-old tapped home from just two feet on the 10th green for his second eagle of the day just as bad light brought an end to third-round play at the fog-affected event, with the majority of the field still on the course.

McIlroy sits at the top of the leaderboard at 15 under par after playing his 10 holes in three under, with former champion Richard Green and in-form South African Louis Oosthuizen leading the challenge two shots back.

Earlier, McIlroy had holed from 25 feet on the final green of his second round to spectacularly snatch the halfway lead with a four-under 68.

Australian Green, the 1997 champion, picked up three shots on the first 10 holes of his third round, while Abu Dhabi and Qatar runner-up Oosthuizen birdied the 10th to remain in the hunt for his own maiden European Tour title, although he has won five times in his native South Africa.

Justin Rose also picked up a shot at the 10th to move into sole possession of fourth, with Martin Kaymer, Scott Strange, Thomas Levet and Abu Dhabi champion Paul Casey at 10 under.

Frenchman Levet, one of only 17 out of the 68 who made the cut to complete their third rounds, fired a six-under-par 66 to make his move up the leaderboard.

New Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie was also able to complete his third round and a 70 left the Scot six under par overall.

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