Rory McIlroy hits water on the 18th to give himself challenge on final day in Abu Dhabi

A three-under 69 left the Northern Irishman with a five-shot deficit to make up on Sunday.

Rory McIlroy tees off at 15th hole during the second round of Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Paul Waring hopes he has got his “bad golf out of the way” after seeing his lead cut to one at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The 39-year-old from the Wirral carded a course-record 61 on Friday to go into the third round five shots clear but struggled to a one-over 73 at Yas Links.