Jon Rahm took a one-shot lead into the final day of the Abu Dhabi Championship after shooting a six-under-par 66 in Saturday’s third round at Yas Links. The 31-year-old Spaniard reached 18 under par overall to edge ahead of a packed leaderboard containing several major contenders.
Battle at the Top of the Leaderboard
Rahm, who entered the day tied for the lead alongside Italy’s Francesco Laporta and England’s Tyrrell Hatton, turned in a bogey-free performance to move into sole possession of first place. He reclaimed the outright advantage on the 15th hole by sinking a 20-foot birdie putt and missed a close chance on the 18th to further extend his lead. Rahm is seeking his first solo tournament victory since his 2023 Masters title.
Hatton and Laporta both posted rounds of 67 to remain tied for second at 17 under par. Hatton briefly drew level with Rahm after recording his seventh birdie of the round on the 14th hole. The trio played together on Saturday and will form the final group again on Sunday.
Hatton spoke about the upcoming final round, as reported by BBC Sport: “Obviously final group tomorrow there’s a lot to play for,” adding, “Naturally we are going to want to beat each other. Hopefully I can get off to a good start and put him under some pressure.”
Laporta also logged a bogey-free third round to remain firmly in contention. The 36-year-old Italian, who led after opening with a 10-under round, is pursuing his inaugural title on the DP World Tour.
McIlroy Remains in Contention
Rory McIlroy sits two strokes behind Rahm in fourth place at 16 under par following a third-round 67. The six-time major winner registered eight birdies during his round, but his progress was hampered by a double bogey on the 10th hole and a dropped shot on the 17th. McIlroy had previously recovered from a two-shot penalty in his opening round for improving his lie, responding with an 11-birdie 63 in round two.
Reflecting on his prospects for Sunday, McIlroy said: “There are low ones out there and I am going to have to shoot a low one – something in the mid to low 60s – to get it done tomorrow and that will be the goal.”
Australia’s Adam Scott holds fifth position at 15 under after shooting a 66, maintaining an entirely bogey-free record through 54 holes. England’s Matthew Jordan carded a 69 to join Spain’s David Puig in a tie for sixth at 14 under par.
Further down the standings, Sam Bairstow and Nathan Kimsey finished the third round at 12 under, while Tommy Fleetwood, Ewen Ferguson, and Andy Sullivan sit at 11 under par.
