Feb 5, 2017: Sergio Garcia will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic but he will have Open champion Henrik Stenson breathing down his neck at Emirates Golf Club. Anirban Lahiri in T41 and amateur Rayhan Thomas in T54 continuing their hunt, but SSP Chawrasia couldn’t make it to third round and missed the cut.
On a day of catch up in the UAE following Friday’s wind delays, Garcia birdied his 31st hole of the day in darkness to move to 16 under as he goes in search of a first European Tour title since the 2014 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Stenson also played 31 holes in completing rounds of 68-67 to get to 13 under, two shots clear of Prom Meesawat and Ian Poulter.
Garcia and Stenson have been two of the biggest stars of the European Tour over the last 20 years and will both be looking for their 12th title on Sunday afternoon.
That would match the mark of Poulter, who birdied three of his last four holes to set up a thrilling final day of the Desert Swing.
Anirban Lahiri started with two birdies in front nine and ended with three birdies in back nine, along with 3 bogeys to finish at T41 with two-under-70.
Anirban shot two birdies – at the 1st and 2nd holes – before adding another three birdies at the 13th, 17th and 18th to his card.
Dubai-based Indian amateur Rayhan Thomas fired two over 74 to tie at T54,
SSP Chawrasia suffered a painful exit from the Dubai Classic, missing the cut despite a determined effort at Emirates Golf Club.
European Tour Release
