Jon Rahm has seized control of the Abu Dhabi Championship, firing a blistering 6-under 66 on Saturday to claim the outright lead at 18-under par. The Spanish major champion, returning to the European Tour after a year away, now holds a one-stroke advantage over Tyrrell Hatton and Francesco Laporta, who both finished the day with 67s. Rahm’s commanding performance on Yas Links signals a sharp turnaround in form, positioning him as the favorite to defend his title and extend his dominance on the continent.
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Rory McIlroy trails by two shots at 16-under after a frustrating 67 that saw him relinquish the shared lead earlier in the day. The four-time major champion’s round was marred by a double-bogey on the 10th hole, which snapped a seven-birdie streak between holes 7 and 14, and a penalty on Thursday for improving his lie on the 12th. McIlroy admitted to feeling “a little rueful” about the lost opportunities but remains focused on the final round, stating he needs to shoot “mid to low 60s” to secure the victory.
The stakes for McIlroy extend beyond the immediate trophy, as a win would equal Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight career Order of Merit titles. With the leaderboard tight and McIlroy acknowledging the need for a historic final-day performance, the Sunday showdown promises high drama. While Rahm holds the momentum, McIlroy’s proven ability to close under pressure makes this a contest that could define the season’s narrative for both stars.
Source: Yahoo Sports
