Dubai Invitational Update
DUBAI, UAE (AP) — Nacho Elvira has positioned himself strongly heading into the final round of the Dubai Invitational, holding a two-shot advantage following a 3-under par 68 in Saturday’s third round. Elvira, who began the day sharing the lead with Shane Lowry, experienced a slow start, featuring six consecutive pars and a bogey at the seventh hole. However, he surged ahead with birdies on the ninth, tenth, thirteenth, and seventeenth holes, culminating in a total score of 205, which is 8 under par for the tournament.
Current Standings
Shane Lowry is currently part of a three-way tie for second place alongside Marcus Armitage and Dylan Fritelli, the latter of whom delivered the standout performance of the day with a remarkable round of 65. Rory McIlroy, a prominent figure in golf and a four-time champion of the Dubai Desert Classic, is just one shot behind and sits in fifth place after carding three birdies on the back nine, equaling Elvira’s score of 68.
Elvira’s Achievements
Elvira’s prior victories in the European Tour include his triumphs at the Cazoo Open in 2021 and the Soudal Open in 2024. The Dubai Invitational takes place every two years, and its history includes a memorable finish in the last edition when Tommy Fleetwood capitalized on McIlroy’s late-game errors to secure the title, finishing the round tied for twentieth at even par this time around.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Dubai Desert Classic is scheduled for the following week, where McIlroy will be aiming to add to his impressive record in the event. He has also celebrated success at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, having won that title three times.
