Daniel Hillier says victory in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic would be “life-changing” as he prepares to take a one-shot lead into the final round at Emirates Golf Club.
The New Zealander had been four shots clear at one stage on Saturday after three birdies in his first five holes.
However, three consecutive bogeys from the 13th left the door ajar for the chasing pack and England's Tyrrell Hatton took full advantage with a 68 to set the clubhouse target at 12 under par.
Hillier responded with a birdie from six feet at the 17th, then cleared the water by a whisker with his second to the last to set up a routine up-and-down gain as he signed for a two-under 70 and 13 under total.
Overnight leader Ewen Ferguson shot a two-over 74 to lie third on ten under, with England's Laurie Canter and New Zealand's Ryan Fox tied for fourth a shot further back.
“It was a grind,” said Hillier, who won his only previous DP World Tour title at the 2023 Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo. “I figured it was going to be that at the start of the day with all that wind. It was tough but I enjoyed it out there. Have a crack at it tomorrow.
“We thought we had plenty of club going in there (the 18th) - we were trying to hit it long and left. Only 200 to carry the water and I hit five-wood. Usually that's a 235, 240 club, and just spun into the first cut.
“I don't think I've played with Tyrrell before, so that should be fun. It will be a good test. He'll be raring to get his hands on that trophy but I'd love to do the same. It will be a fun day.
“It would be life-changing. Last year was pretty tough. It was a bit of a grind. I was getting pretty frustrated with myself towards the end of the year. Gave myself a little bit of a break and time to reset, and I'm feeling refreshed. Yeah, excited for tomorrow.”
Hatton, who would tie Jon Rahm for the most Rolex Series victories with five were he to win on Sunday, had laid down an early signal of intent when he drove the green at the second and converted from eight feet for eagle.
Three bogeys in six holes from the fourth – with only a gain on the sixth for consolation – dampened the Ryder Cup star's chances as he turned in 35.
But a flawless back nine featured close-range gains at the tenth, 11th and 16th before he converted from 20 feet at the last.
“It was pretty tough out there to be honest,” he said. “The wind was swirling around which made it hard to get the right club at times, especially around the middle of the round. It felt like it really picked up for a moment there, and certainly made things challenging. But I'm happy with the finish. So good position going into tomorrow.
“For the most part I've been hitting some good shots. Feel like I've been a little bit unlucky at times as well out there but that's kind of part and parcel of golf.
“It's been nice to see a few putts go in. Obviously I've missed a few as well but yeah, I need some putts to drop tomorrow.”
