Aaron Rai Leads Abu Dhabi Championship Entering Final Round
England's Aaron Rai holds a one-stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard after the third round of the Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links Golf Club.
Rai reached 20-under par with a six-under 66 on Saturday, recording seven birdies before a single bogey on the par-3 17th hole. He aims to secure his first DP World Tour title since 2020.
"A really good round overall," Rai said. "Felt like I rolled it really well on the greens. A lot of putts had a good chance of going in."
Two-time champion Tommy Fleetwood eagled the par-5 seventh hole and added three birdies during a bogey-free 67. Nicolai Hojgaard posted a 65, featuring eight birdies including four consecutive on the front nine, with one bogey.
- Nacho Elvira (Spain) shot 65 and trails Rai by two strokes.
- Andy Sullivan (England) and Daniel Hillier (New Zealand) are three strokes behind after rounds of 67 and 65 respectively.
- Former champion Shane Lowry (Ireland) is tied for eighth at 15-under after a 68.
- World No. 2 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) sits in a six-way tie for 12th at 14-under following a 66.
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Summary: Aaron Rai holds a slim lead entering the final round of the Abu Dhabi Championship, displaying strong putting and chasing his first DP World Tour win since 2020.