Rory McIlroy was left to rue a poor finish to his opening round in the defence of his Hero Dubai Desert Classic title.

Tommy Fleetwood admits replicating Rory McIlroy’s incredible consistency is the key to adding to his victory haul.

Rory McIlroy fought off a sensational final-round charge from Patrick Reed when he birdied the last from 15 feet to win the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the third time and throw down the gauntlet to the pretenders to his world number one crown.

Rory McIlroy carded a brilliant 65 to lead by three shots as he chases his third Hero Dubai Desert Classic win, but Patrick Reed still managed to overshadow the Holywood star with another rules controversy.

Rory McIlroy will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic but it might easily have been more had he not splashed down and made a bogey at the last.

Rory McIlroy produced a dramatic birdie-eagle-birdie finish to fire an opening 66 only to be joined in a share of the clubhouse lead by none other than Patrick Reed in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

RORY MCILROY and Patrick Reed were face to face at dawn yesterday, but their real duel could take place in the course this weekend after both made bright starts to the weather-delayed Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Padraig Harrington is bracing himself for a "brutal" test as he continues his bid to become golf's oldest winner in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Patrick Reed threw a tee at Rory McIlroy in disgust after the world number one appeared to ignore his efforts to say hello at the Emirates Golf Club, according to reports.