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Daniel Hillier leads Dubai Desert Classic

New Zealand golfer Daniel Hillier has taken the lead at the completion of the third round of the DP World Tour Dubai Desert Classic.
Daniel Hillier is the leader at the Dubai Desert Classic after three rounds PHOTO: DP WORLD TOUR

New Zealand golfer Daniel Hillier has taken the lead at the completion of the third round of the DP World Tour Dubai Desert Classic.


Hillier started the day a shot off the lead but after a superb start soon moved in front.


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The Wellington player had been four shots clear at one stage after three birdies in his first five holes.


However, three consecutive bogeys from the 13th closed the field up again.


Hillier birdied the 17th and parred the last for a two under par 70 and 13 under for the tournament.


He is one shot ahead of England's Tyrrell Hatton.


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.”


Hillier has won once before on the tour, with victory at the 2023 British Masters.


Fellow kiwi Ryan Fox is in a tied for fourth on nine-under alongisde England's Laurie Canter.



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