McIlroy extends lead in Dubai as McDowell gives chase

Rory McIlroy picked up where he left off at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Saturday, picking up two shots in his opening four holes to move two clear on a leaderboard dominated by the home nations.

The Irishman had produced a superb round of 64 on Friday to move on to 14-under overnight, a lead of one shot, and he continued that momentum with birdies on the first and third holes to increase his advantage.

McIlroy led countryman Graeme McDowell by two, with the former US Open winner also picking up two shots in four holes to move on to 14-under.

McDowell sat alongside England's Seve Benson on the leaderboard, with the 28-year-old sinking an eagle on the par-four second, while Lee Westwood gave the top four a distinctly UK feel as he climbed to 13 under having also carded a pair of birdies within three holes.

Englishman Andy Sullivan was another of the British contingent among the leading pack, sitting on 12 under through six holes alongside Scotland's Marc Warren, who was one of the few players to drop a shot on the opening greens.