Rory McIlroy sank a short birdie putt on the 18th on Saturday to stay tied with Luke Donald atop the leaderboard, as the world’s two top-ranked golfers pulled three shots clear of the field after the third round of the Dubai World Championship.
McIlroy struggled early when he bogeyed the first hole and missed several makeable birdie putts.
However, he improved on the back nine, sinking a 30-foot eagle putt on 14 to go along with three birdies for a six-under 66. Donald also had a 66 and is tied with McIlory with a 17-under total of 199.
Donald had his third consecutive bogey-free round and has now gone 100 holes at the Dubai tournament without a bogey.
South Africans Louis Oosthuizen (68) and Charl Schwartzel (67) are three shots back, while their compatriot Branden Grace and Joostis Luiten of France are a further two shots behind.
Though McIlroy and Donald did not play together, it seemed the pair were having a duel of sorts all day.
Donald struck first, sinking two birdie putts on the first three holes, while McIlroy hit his opening drive into a bunker and settled for a bogey.
McIlroy pulled a shot back with a birdie on the third and then sank a 25-foot birdie putt on the sixth hole before Donald sank birdies on seven and nine to extend his lead.
McIlroy made consecutive birdies on 11 and 12. With Donald extending his lead by two with a 20-foot birdie putt on 14, McIlroy needed something special to keep pace.
On the par-five, 14th, McIlroy hit what he called a “great drive” followed by a four-iron that landed in the middle of the green. He curled the 30-foot putt to draw even with Donald.
Both players birdied the 18th to set up a season-ending dual between No. 1 and No. 2.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely