GOLF – TYRRELL Hatton took a one-stroke lead into the final round of the $10 million 2026 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai yesterday as much of the intrigue focused on the battle behind him.
Playing partner Rory McIlroy’s closing birdie kept his bid to top the Race to Dubai Rankings for a record-equalling eighth time on track as he responded to pre-tournament leader Eugenio Chacarra’s third-round 68.
They are locked together on five under par and seemingly in a straight showdown for the Harry Vardon Trophy.
Jon Rahm’s win at last week’s Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship had given him hope of an unlikely top spot and Patrick Reed led the way for much of the season but both would now need an unlikely series of events today.
Hatton leads the tournament on nine under with France’s Victor Perez one shot behind. Just 14 players went into the weekend under par, with leaders McIlroy and Hatton at five under, but Joe Dean gave an early indication that lower scoring should be possible on Moving Day with three straight birdies from the second.
“It was a good day, it was tricky,” said Hatton. “The greens were so fast on the back nine. Every putt I had coming in I think from 13, the par three, just unbelievably fast.
“Really happy with how I putted today. Had a few awkward-length par putts early on, and managed to hold them, which was nice. Overall, just happy with how I played.
“I know tomorrow is going to be a tough day. I’ve got enough experience down these last few holes to know that anything can happen.
“I’ll just go out tomorrow and try my best. I know I can play well around here, and that’s what I’ll try to do.”
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