Rory McIlroy scorches Dubai field in third round, takes four-shot lead

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Since 2009, Rory McIlroy had played the first two rounds of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in a stunning 47 under par. On the weekends? Just 6 under.

McIlroy matched that total on Saturday at Emirates G.C., shooting 6-under 66 to take a four-shot edge over the field heading into the final round.

The world No. 1 made an early statement, going out in 5-under 30 and opening a huge lead. He largely coasted on the back nine before crushing a drive just short of the green at the 359-yard 17th hole, leading to a final birdie. Through 54 holes, McIlroy has just one bogey — the least this week in the field.

Dane Morten Madsen is in second, two clear of Lee Westwood. Four players are seven shots behind of McIlroy, tied for fourth.

The astounding part may not be that McIlroy has been in complete control, but that the Ulsterman thinks he should have an even bigger lead.

“I feel like I could be a little bit more but I’m not going to complain – I’m four ahead going into the final day, so I’ve put myself in a great position to win tomorrow,” he said. “I just have to go and try and play similar golf to the way I have the first three days.”

It’s not as though this was unexpected. McIlroy hasn’t finished outside of the top 10 in Dubai since breaking through for his professional win in this event in 2009. He hasn’t finished worse than second in his last six European Tour-sanctioned starts, including Open Championship and PGA Championship victories.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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