Rory McIlroy believes another astonishing comeback victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is not out of the question despite finding himself seven strokes behind the leader.
The Northern Irishman sits on two under par, sharing 20th position after contending with challenging wind conditions at Emirates Golf Club.
His confidence stems from 2024's extraordinary triumph, when he trailed by 10 shots at the halfway stage before claiming victory.
Friday's round featured six birdies alongside three dropped shots and he hopes for a steadier performance on Saturday.
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Asked if this is the golf course he would want to play on to catch up with the chasing pack, McIlroy replied: "It’s up there. I came from 10 behind a couple years ago to win.
"If I go out there tomorrow, maybe in slightly better conditions in the morning and post a low one, then I’ll be right in the mix come Sunday.
"I feel like I gave myself plenty of opportunities, and I didn’t take maybe as many as I wanted to.
"I have a tee time tomorrow, and hopefully shoot a good one and get right back in contention."
Rory McIlroy believes another astonishing comeback victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is not out of the question
|GETTY
Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton is similarly hopeful he remains in the mix after a round of 69.
He has left himself three shots ahead of McIlroy on five under, to sit in a share of sixth place.
The Englishman said: "It’s in a decent position, considering I don’t feel like I’ve played anywhere near what I’m capable of.
"Hopefully I wake up with a decent golf swing and a clearer head, and we’ll go out there and try our best.”
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The Northern Irishman sits on two under par
|GETTY
Reed benefited from an earlier start, when conditions were at their best, to post a six-under 66, a bogey-free round in which he found 17 greens in regulation with an eagle at the par 546-yard 13th hole.
The American sits one clear of Andy Sullivan, who had a remarkable round of 62 to move to eight-under.
The Englishman made six birdies in his first 10 holes but just one in his next with three bogeys, only to close with a birdie on 17 and an eagle at the last.
Sullivan said: “I hit a lot of good shots and holed a lot of good putts.
Five things to know about Rory McIlroy | GETTYHe added: "Then I was out in 30. It was a bit exciting.
"The back nine was a bit of a roller coaster, but it was nice to bounce back after the bogeys, on 17 and 18."
McIlroy had an exceptional and historically significant year in 2025, which he described as the "best year of my career".
It saw him achieve the coveted career Grand Slam by winning his first Masters title.
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