Aaron Rai Leads by One Stroke Entering Final Round in Abu Dhabi
England's Aaron Rai holds a one-stroke lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard after the third round of the Abu Dhabi Championship on Saturday. Rai reached 20-under with a 6-under 66 at Yas Links Golf Club, recording seven birdies before a 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."
Challengers' Performance
Tommy Fleetwood, a two-time tournament champion, eagled the par-5 seventh hole and made three birdies with no bogeys during his 67. Nicolai Hojgaard birdied eight times, including four consecutive birdies to close the front nine, finishing with a 65 and one bogey.
Other Notable Players
- Spain's Nacho Elvira shot 65 and is two strokes behind Rai.
- England's Andy Sullivan (67) and New Zealand's Daniel Hillier (65) are three strokes back.
- Former champion Shane Lowry of Ireland carded 68 and sits tied for eighth at 15-under.
- World No. 2 Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland scored 66, tied for 12th at 14-under alongside five others.
Additional Information
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Photo credit: Thomas Shea - Imagn Images / Field Level Media
Summary: Aaron Rai leads the Abu Dhabi Championship by one stroke, displaying strong putting and edging close competitors ahead of the final round.