McIlroy takes three-shot lead into Dubai final round

Rory McIlroy takes a three-shot lead into the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic after shooting an impressive seven-under 65 in Sunday's third round.

The weather-affected tournament will have a Monday finish in Dubai and McIlroy is in prime position to secure the title following a birdie-filled Sunday for the four-time major winner.

Eight birdies in total for the County Down man as he opened with four in a row to move to the top of the leaderboard, and McIlroy pushed further clear on the back nine as he hit three on the bounce from 13 to 15, before adding another on the driveable 17th.

McIlroy handed one back on 18, his only blot on the near-flawless scorecard, as he found the water on the final hole, and eventually settled for a bogey six.

But he still takes a commanding lead into the final round, three clear of English duo Callum Shinkwin and Dan Bradbury.

Six golfers share a tie for fourth place, just one shot further back and four off McIlroy, including LIV Golf duo Patrick Reed and Ian Poulter.