Rory McIlroy is two off the lead at the Dubai Desert Classic following his third round.

McIlroy shot a 3 under par 69 today to move to 14 under overall but he sits two behind reigning champions Stephen Gallacher. The Scot put in a remarkable back 9 today, scoring 9 under on the back 9 – the joint lowest score on 9 holes in European Tour history.

Damien McGrane is tied for ninth, a further 5 shots behind McIlroy on 9 under. Michael Hoey is tied in sixty fourth on -1.