Aaron Rai leads by 1 entering final round in Abu Dhabi

Field Level Media|published: Sat 8th November, 11:03 2025

Mar 30, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Aaron Rai drives off the first tee during the third round of the Texas Children's Houston Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

England's Aaron Rai holds a one-stroke lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard on Saturday entering the final round of the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Rai moved to 20-under with a 6-under 66 in Saturday's third round at Yas Links Golf Club, cashing in seven birdies prior to his lone bogey at the par-3 17th hole. He is seeking his first title on the DP World Tour since 2020.

"A really good round overall," Rai said. "Drove it extremely well. Some really good iron play. Created a lot chances. Felt like I rolled it really well on the greens. A lot of putts had a good chance of going in."

Two-time tournament champion Fleetwood eagled the par-5 seventh hole and added three birdies during a bogey-free round of 67, while Hojgaard racked up eight birdies -- four straight to finish the front nine -- and one bogey to post a 65.

Spain's Nacho Elvira (65 on Saturday) is two shots behind Rai and England's Andy Sullivan (67) and New Zealand's Daniel Hillier (65) are three strokes back.

Former champion Shane Lowry (68) of Ireland is tied for eighth at 15-under while World No. 2 Rory McIlroy (66) of Northern Ireland is in a six-way tie for 12th at 14-under.

--Field Level Media

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