Tom McKibbin is looking to put aside off-course distractions to claim a second DP World Tour title after finishing tied for sixth heading into the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic.
The Holywood golfer endured an choppy round but ended up at 8-under with a 3-under 69, trailing leader Daniel Healy of New Zealand Daniel Hillier scored 5 shots.
Rory McIlroy also shot 69 to move to 6 under, but the four-time major winner needs something magical to win for the third consecutive year.
McKibbin is in a better position, though, and will be hoping for some success on the course after rumors of his move to LIV Golf and warnings from the likes of McIlroy and Padraig Harrington who failed to make the cut dominated the competition. Making headlines for a reason.
McKibbin's highlight was undoubtedly an eagle on the par-5 13th hole with a stunning shot from within four feet between two palm trees.
The rest of his card included five birdies and four bogeys – back-to-back birdies on the final hole allowed him to walk away satisfied.
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McIlroy needed a fast start to get back into the game, but he shot a solid seven shots before bogeying the eighth hole and finishing over par.
A much better back nine, with four birdies and no drops, put him almost in contention.
Hillier's card was littered with four bogeys, including three in a row from Nos. 13 to 15, but birdies on Nos. 17 and 18 sealed his victory. The round score was 70.
England's Tyrell Hatton is one shot behind Hillier at 12 under.
Hatton looked on the verge of taking control of the match with an eagle on the second teeing green, but three bogeys over the next seven holes temporarily halted his momentum.
He made four birdies on the back nine and shot a four-under-par 68, ensuring he entered the final group and led the final round by one stroke.
