Daniel Hiller leads Tyrrell Hatton and Rory McIlroy takes the week back to the Dubai final

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Daniel Hillier birdied the final two holes on Saturday to shoot a 2-under 70 and take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic as the 223rd New Zealander goes for the biggest win of his career.

Tyrrell Hatton shot a third-round 68 to be the closest challenger to the 26-year-old Hillier, whose only European Tour win came at the British Masters in July 2023. He has not been in the top 10 since the Open de España in October 2023.

Hillier was 13 under par this week.

“It would be life-changing,” Hillier said.

“Last year was quite difficult. It was a bit of a pain. I became quite frustrated with myself towards the end of the year. I gave myself a little break and time to reset, and I feel refreshed. Yeah, I’m excited for tomorrow.”

Rory McIlroy, seeking a third straight title at the prestigious tournament, was seven shots off the pace in a tie for 12th place after a round of 69. He was 1 over after the front nine, having failed to make a single birdie.

“I’d have to go out and shoot 63 tomorrow,” said the third-ranked McIlroy. “If the conditions are right, I could have done it earlier, especially if you can score on the front nine before that winning back nine.

“My key tomorrow is if I can start faster and shoot three or four (under) in front, then I have a chance.”

Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson led after the second round but could only shoot 74 to drop to third place at 10 under, three shots behind Hillier.

Despite a flurry with the tee marker on the seventh hole on Saturday, Hatton is a shot ahead of the lead at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Hatton, who plays at LIV Golf Course, looks the biggest threat to Hillier. The seven-time European Tour champion rolled in an 8-foot putt for eagle on No. 2, then recovered from three bogeys in a six-hole span to close the front nine with four birdies and five pars to come home.

“I remember as a kid waking up early on Thursday and Friday mornings and being excited to watch the Desert Classic,” said Hutton, 17. “It’s an iconic event on the DP World Tour, and I think it’s certainly one of those events that you could probably ask any player here, and it’s one that they’d love to have on their CV.”