Wozniacki flies in to lift Rory’s spirits in Dubai
McIlroy bogeyed his closing two holes in a round of 71 for a share of third place on seven under par.
However for a second week running McIlroy finds himself trailing Spain’s Alvaro Quiros who set a new Earth course record of an eight under par 64 to move four shots clear of Sweden’s Peter Hanson (72) at eight under.
While Quiros eventually let victory slip last week in Hong Kong to McIlroy, the ever-popular 28-year-old is no stranger to winning in Dubai having captured February’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic with a final day display that including losing a ball up a palm tree but also a hole-in-one.
McIlroy shares third with England’s Robert Rock (69) with Race to Dubai rival Luke Donald birdieing his closing three holes in a round of 68 to be sharing eighth at four under par.
Wozinacki arrived in Dubai last night, breaking from practice for next month’s Australian Open to be by the side of McIlroy who was diagnosed with a low white blood cell count and platelets which requires a course of hydration tablets.
He said: “I have been trying to keep hydrated and I’ve got these hydration packs to help with the fever and temperature. I’m trying to get as much rest as I can and let my body get back to full health as quickly as possible.
“I’m visiting the doctor just to see what she thinks, and whether or not I should go to Thailand next week.”
However in a message that will disappoint organisers of the Asian Tour season-ending Thailand Golf Championship in flood-ravaged Bangkok, McIlroy said he’s ready to finish his year where it started and that’s in the UAE.
“I’m ready for my season to be done. I’m just looking forward to putting the clubs away and taking a break.”
Shane Lowry created a slice of history that lasted less than 15 minutes when he eagled the par five, 18th.
It was the first occasion in the three-year history of the event someone has eagled the last. The tee had been brought forward some 100-yards but it didn’t deter Lowry chipping-in from some 15-feet for his eagle.
But while the Esker Hills star was taking journalists through his round there was a roar from the 18th when Quiros also eagled the last.
Lowry said: “It was a good way to finish the round as I felt I deserved something good to happen to me as I played nicely again today without too much reward.
“All of a sudden I was level par playing the last and I said to Darren (caddy) walking up the last that if I could make birdie I could be within a shout of a decent finish over the weekend.”
“So hopefully I can shoot a good score tomorrow I can get myself into the business end of things on Sunday.”
Graeme McDowell posted a 71 to be at two under par while Michael Hoey carded a 72 to remain at three over par and one less than Darren Clarke who also signed for a 74.
Rounding off the Irish is Peter Lawrie who carded a 74 and a five over par tally.
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