Rory McIlroy failed to find any third-round magic at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic to slip 11 shots off the lead, with Tom McKibbin one shot better off at Emirates Golf Club.
Patrick Reed will take a four-shot lead into the final round following a calm 67 consisting of seven birdies and two bogeys to reach 14 under par for the tournament.
Having won from 10 shots back at this event in 2024, McIlroy suggested on Friday that a shot at glory wasn't entirely out of the question, but couldn’t find the necessary momentum to propel himself into contention, parring the opening nine holes.
His first birdie came at the 10th, for the third day in a row, before hitting a great approach into the 14th to pick up another shot.
However, the world number two finished his third round with a bogey to sit in a share of 27th at three under following his 71.
McKibbin is best-placed of the Irish in action after also posting a one-under par 71.
A double-bogey at the ninth was the major blot on his copybook. After a solid drive found the fairway, McKibbin’s iron approach found water and he had to settle for a six.
The 23-year-old bounced back with three birdies in the next five holes and is in a tie for 19th.
Shane Lowry toiled throughout his third round, picking up a single birdie at the ninth, but dropped shots at the sixth, eighth and 18th as he carded a two-over 72.
The Offaly native sits on one-under par, 13 shots adrift of Reed.
The American endured an early battle for the lead with Francesco Molinari, who led after 18 holes, when the Italian had opened with three straight birdies.
Reed, who was flawless in his seven-under 65 in round two, bogeyed the first, but bounced back with birdies at the second and third to join Molinari at the summit.
Reed dropped a shot at the sixth, birdied the seventh to return to 10 under, but once he hit the front with another birdie at the ninth, did not look back.
The 2018 Masters champion rolled in further birdies at the 10th, 13th and last to open up a four-shot lead over David Puig, who carded a brilliant 66.
"You’re always excited showing up on Sunday with a lead," Reed said.
"It’s what we live for as players, and as competitors, is to have a chance on Sundays, and play late on Sundays, and battle it out with the guys.
"I know it’s not going to be easy, it never is, it doesn’t matter how big of a lead you have, but I can’t wait for it and looking forward to tomorrow."
Andy Sullivan and Ryder Cup star Viktor Hovland are in a share of third at nine under, while Italian pair Francesco Molinari and Andrea Pavan are one shot further back.
Additional reporting: PA
