GOLF – NACHO Elvira mastered breezy conditions for a second straight day yesterday to earn a two-shot advantage heading into the final round of the 2026 Dubai Invitational.
The Spaniard shared the overnight second-round lead with Shane Lowry at five-under, and he overcame an early bogey to add four birdies and card a 68, getting to eight-under-par at Dubai Creek Resort.
Elvira is seeking his third DP World Tour title after successes at the 2021 Cazoo Open supported by Gareth Bale and the 2024 Soudal Open.
He leads by two from a stacked chasing pack, with South African Dylan Frittelli sharing second place after a sparkling 66 alongside Lowry and Englishman Marcus Armitage, and world number two Rory McIlroy a shot further back.
Armitage helped playing partner Geoff Yang to victory at 17-under-par in the 54-hole amateur team event. Today will see the professionals only compete for the 2026 Dubai Invitational title.
“I’m very pleased,” said Elvira. “It’s been a couple of tricky days with the wind. Today was blowing maybe a little bit less than yesterday but still, this course when it’s blowing a little bit and you are off the fairway, it’s very difficult to judge and very difficult to hit it close.
“I’ve been here long enough to not be too nervous tomorrow. I think I’m going to try to enjoy and probably learn from all the experiences that I have in the past and see where that puts me. I’m happy where I’m at.”
Lowry commented: “It was a grind today – got off to a bad start. Didn’t really have it early on. A couple of really, really bad mistakes and I just hung in there well.”
McIlroy said: “A little bit better than yesterday. Kept the ball dry instead of the four water balls I had. It was a tricky enough day. The wind was up a little bit again and maybe not quite as much as yesterday but got off to a bit of a slow start, but stayed patient and hung in there. Was rewarded with three birdies on the back nine.”
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