DUBAI: Tommy Fleetwood recorded eight birdies in a flawless third round at the Dubai Invitational on Saturday to take a one-shot advantage over halfway-leader Rory McIlroy.
Four birdies over the first six holes set Fleetwood up for an eight-under 63 as the Englishman produced another flurry of birdies just after the turn.
He goes into the final round 15-under for the tournament, just ahead of Ryder Cup team-mate McIlroy.
“I felt I played very well, got off to the perfect start and got momentum early on, which I didn’t have yesterday,” said Fleetwood, who is leading going into the final round of a European Tour event for the first time since 2014.
“That little patch through the middle of the back nine where you just start seeing putts going in. It’s funny when you get a day like that and you’re just looking at them and you just feel like you can come close.
“I hit a couple of really nice putts early on, was rolling the ball well and hit the greens well. Today they went my way, just a bit of confidence when you start holing some and just get in that rhythm and that flow.”
World number two McIlroy, a winner of five European Tour titles in Dubai, carded a 67 after recovering well from a bogey on the fifth hole.
He opened the day leading the field by two shots but his ws advantage quickly wiped out by Fleetwood.
“It was a little bit of a slow start but then I got things going on the back nine,” said McIlroy.
“Shot four under on the back to try to keep up with Tommy. I played well on that back nine and earned myself a tee time with him tomorrow and it’ll be good fun. I’m looking forward to it.”
Thorbjorn Olesen sits alone in third, two strokes further back, after signing for a bogey-free 66.
Tommy Fleetwood surges into Dubai Invitational lead
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Tommy Fleetwood surges into Dubai Invitational lead
- Englishman goes into final round 15-under for tournament, just ahead of Ryder Cup teammate McIlroy
Mohammad Alorabi crowned Saudi Toyota Drift Championship 2025 champion
- The event, hosted in Al-Ahsa, was organized by the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation
- The final race drew an impressive crowd and unfolded in an atmosphere charged with excitement and intensity
AL-AHSA: Saudi driver Mohammad Alorabi was crowned on Friday as the champion of the Saudi Toyota Drift Championship 2025.
Alorabi secured the season title despite finishing second in the championship’s third and final round that ended Friday evening.
Hosted in Al-Ahsa, the event was organized by the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), supported by the Ministry of Sport, and held in collaboration with Jameel Motorsport, the official partner, and the Saudi Motorsport Marshals Club.
The final race drew an impressive crowd and unfolded in an atmosphere charged with excitement and intensity, as competition escalated across all categories. During the awards ceremony, the top three winners from each of the championship’s three categories were crowned, marking a fitting conclusion to a highly competitive season.
The celebratory scenes underscored the event’s success and highlighted its growing stature within the Saudi motorsport landscape.
The Professional Class delivered a fierce finale, where Bader Alshurayhi clinched first place in the final round after a powerful and exceptional performance that set him ahead of the competition. He was followed by Mohammad Alorabi, who secured second place in the round yet maintained enough points to be crowned the overall Saudi champion for the 2025 season. Yousef Bahuwerth finished third, completing a highly competitive podium that reflected the strong level of talent in this category.
In the Semi-Professional Class, the action was equally intense. Obadah Osailan succeeded in securing the title after a closely fought battle, demonstrating consistency and skill throughout the final runs. He was followed by Abdulmohsen Alkhuriji in second place, while Omar Aldini claimed third, marking a strong conclusion to one of the season’s most competitive divisions.
The Amateur Class, known for its wide participation and spirited competition, saw Saud Abdullah Alabbasi emerge victorious after delivering an impressive performance that placed him firmly at the top of the standings. Fahad Ahmed Alhodayan finished in second place, showcasing solid control and improvement, while Mohammed Aljamid secured third place, completing a podium that highlighted the depth of rising talent in Saudi motorsport.
With these results, the Saudi Toyota Drift Championship 2025 concludes a season filled with excitement and high energy, further strengthening drift racing as one of the Kingdom’s leading motorsport disciplines.
