Bryson DeChambeau will head into the final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic with a one-stroke lead over defending champion Haotong Li after the American carded an impressive four under par 68 on ‘moving day’ at Emirates Golf Club.
The five-time PGA Tour winner, who was leading amateur at the event in 2016, started the third round tied for the lead with Australian Lucas Herbert but lost his place at the top of the leaderboard after a level par front nine over the Majlis course. But the World No.5 picked up his game coming in with four birdies to take the outright lead on 16 under par while playing partner Herbert fell to tied fifth after a round of 72.
66-66-68 ✍🏼
DeChambeau by one with one round to go.#ODDC18 pic.twitter.com/yZ8A5mrHkS
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 26, 2019
“I’m just not 100 per cent with my golf game right now,” said the 2018 Ryder Cup rookie. “Shoot, I’m still leading, obviously. It’s fantastic. I couldn’t be displeased with that, but my expectation levels are for how I know I can perform, and I feel like I’m underperforming a little bit.”
“I’m still in the lead and got the job done today. I made it happen when it was necessary and hopefully I can have one more of those days and maybe even a better-ball striking day tomorrow.” – Bryson DeChambeau
Li, who could become only the second man to defend his title at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic after Stephen Gallacher in 2013/14, is hot on the heels of the 25 year old after carding a third consecutive round of 67 to ensure he will be in the final grouping of what promises to be an enthralling final day at the 30th edition of the tournament.
Meanwhile, three-time winner Ernie Els kept alive his chances of a magical fourth title at the ‘Major of the Middle East’ with a steady two-under par 70 to share third place with Englishman Matt Wallace, three behind DeChambeau.
“I didn’t get it going like yesterday,” said the 49 year old. “I didn’t make a bogey on my card but only two birdies. I felt, like I said yesterday, I kind of predicted that the course might play a little firmer and I found it difficult to get the ball close to the hole. So I didn’t have great birdie chances. But still fought out a 70, so I’ve got to be satisfied.
