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Dubai Desert Classic set for thrilling finish

Dubai - DeChambeau grabs one-shot lead over champion Li Haotong

Bryson DeChambeau, the unorthodox American, grabbed the lead after a seesaw third round battle of the Dubai Desert Classic at the Majlis Course on Saturday.
DeChambeau's third round score of 68 took him to 16 under par, giving him a one-shot lead over champion Li Haotong of China going into the final round on Sunday.
Crowd favourite Ernie Els came up with a third round score of 70 to go 13 under par as he shared the third place with Englishman Matt Wallace. DeChambeau, 25, produced three birdies in his last six holes which eventually helped him win a dramatic third round battle.
Despite not playing his best golf, the overnight joint-leader fought hard on Saturday to grab the sole lead. "I'm just not 100 per cent with my golf game right now. But I'm still leading, obviously. It's fantastic. I couldn't be displeased with that, but my expectation levels are for how I know I can perform, and I feel like I'm under performing a little bit," the American said on Saturday.
"But I am still in the lead, still got the job done. Made it happen when it's necessary and hopefully I can have one more of those days and maybe even a better-ball striking day."
If he finds his best form on Sunday, DeChambeau will have a golden chance to earn his first overseas victory. "It would be awesome. I can't express in words how awesome it would be to win on the European Tour," he admitted.
But the American might find himself in a direct battle with defending champion Li as he is likely be paired with the Chinese star on Sunday.
"You know, for me I don't worry about other people. I just go out and try and dominate the golf course to the best of my ability, and hopefully that will show tomorrow," the world number five said.
Li, who briefly led the field, delivered a third round score of 67 with back-to-back brides to take the second place on Saturday.
"It's pretty decent. Actually the long game been way better than the last couple days. Yeah, it's just a solid day today," the Chinese golfer said.
Li, who beat superstar Rory McIlroy to win the Dubai title last year, hopes to play his best golf in Sunday's final round.
"Well, you know, even with the course setup, it's not difficult to score. But you still have to play solid shots to make solid putts. I just want to play tomorrow and play my best," he said.
If Li wins on Sunday, he will become only the second man after Stephen Gallacher to defend the Dubai title. "Definitely, it means a lot," he said."And I just want to play my best over there and tomorrow, hopefully hold the trophy again."
Meanwhile, overnight joint-leader Lucas Herbert of Australia, received a two-shot penalty for improving his lie in bunker-play. Herbert was into a tie for the fifth at 12 under.
rituraj@khaleejtimes.com