Rory McIlroy takes charge in Dubai

Edited by Anand Datla

January 30, 2015:   Rory McIlroy roared into the lead at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic after a majestic eight under par 64, which included three consecutive closing birdies, moved the World Number One a shot clear of Scotland’s Marc Warren at Emirates Golf Club. India’s Shiv Kapur and Jeev Milkha Singh – both missed the cut after a disappointing effort on Friday.

The Northern Irishman registered his first bogey-free round of the season in perfect conditions over the course upon which he claimed his maiden European Tour title, with a five under par back nine earning the four-time Major winner a 14 under total as he chases a first victory of the season.

McIlroy has been on imperious form of late, finishing runner-up in his last three European Tour events having claimed three successive victories prior to that, including his 2014 Open Championship and US PGA Championship triumphs.

He will face stiff competition for the prestigious Dallah trophy, however, with in-form Warren one shot off the lead after a seven under 65, having finishing runner-up last week in Qatar.

McIlroy’s fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell is another shot further back alongside England’s Seve Benson, while defending champion, Stephen Gallacher, seeking a third successive victory at the Emirates Golf Club, and eight-time Ryder Cup player Lee Westwood, are joined by three others on 11 under.

Rory McIlroy (64, -8, -14 total) – “I’m definitely in a great position going into the weekend. I felt like I played very nicely today, couldn’t ask for much more – bogey?free, made birdies and set myself up for a good run over the next couple days.

“I felt like I played okay yesterday. I didn’t play my best but I definitely improved from tee?to?green out there and was able to make some putts. It was a great round and I’m going to need something similar over the next couple of days to stay in the position that I’m in,” said a satisfied McIlroy.  “I’m in a great position obviously, but there are so many people that are close to the lead and it’s so bunched up there. Even though I’m in the lead, there are so many people still in with a chance if they shoot a good round tomorrow. I’ve just got to go out there, stay aggressive, stick to the game plan and try to make as many birdies as I can.”

Scores:

130 R McIlroy (Nir) 66 64,

131 M Warren (Sco) 66 65,

132 S Benson (Eng) 66 66, G McDowell (Nir) 67 65,

133 D Willett (Eng) 67 66, B Wiesberger (Aut) 64 69, L Westwood (Eng) 65 68, A Sullivan (Eng) 65 68, S Gallacher (Sco) 66 67,

134 R Paratore (Ita) 68 66, M Kieffer (Ger) 66 68, P Uihlein (USA) 65 69, M Madsen (Den) 71 63,

135 E Grillo (Arg) 67 68, P Larrazábal (Esp) 69 66, A Noren (Swe) 68 67, R Rock (Eng) 68 67,

136 H Stenson (Swe) 70 66, M Kaymer (Ger) 67 69, J Garcia Pinto (Esp) 70 66, P Waring (Eng) 69 67
Missed Cut

144 J Singh (Ind) 70 74

146 S Garcia (Esp) 75 71

148 S Kapur (Ind) 71 77