'Just a bad swing' - Rory McIlroy rues Dubai mistakes as victory slips away

Rory McIlroy was undone by "sloppy mistakes" as he frittered away a shot at victory in his first tournament of 2024 at the Dubai Invitational.

The 2023 Race to Dubai winner claimed one of his two DP World Tour victories last season in the Gulf State, at the long-standing Dubai Desert Classic, which title he will defend at the Emirates Golf Club next week.

Having fallen three shots adrift of overnight leader Tommy Fleetwood thru 10, McIlroy found a hot streak on the inward nine, rattling in three birdies in succession between 11 and 13 to tie the lead.

He appeared certain to hit the front after knocking his tee shot in close at the par-3 14th. However, to the shock of the galleries, McIlroy proceeded to three-putt from all of 2ft.

Even then, McIlroy rallied, draining a 19ft putt for birdie on 15 to tie the lead. Fleetwood appeared to be in the process of wilting, a poor chip from the fringe of the 16th leading to a bogey.

While South Thirston Lawrence made a late charge to post a clubhouse target at -18, McIlroy appeared to be in control, birdieing the short-par-4 17th to get to -19.

Fleetwood sunk a 31ft birdie putt on the 71st to keep his hopes alive but McIlroy led by a stroke coming up the last.

Then disaster struck, McIlroy hooking his drive into the adjacent lake. While he managed to save bogey at least, his playoff hopes were snuffed out as Fleetwood drained a 16 footer to win by a stroke with a birdie-birdie finish.

Drama at the 72nd hole!