Rory McIlroy stunned by reporter's revelation after third round of DubaI Invitational

Rory McIlroy remained three shots off the pace following a Saturday 68 at the Dubai Invitational.

McIlroy carded an improved 68 compared to his lacklustre Friday 74 to keep himself in contention at the first DP World Tour event of 2026. 

But the World No.2 will need to be at his imperious best on Sunday if he's to capture a 21st DP World Tour title. 

Spain's Nacho Elvira looks down on the rest of the field after matching McIlroy's 68. 

Elvira, like McIlroy, made four birdies and a bogey during his third round.

He has now progressed to 8-under par for the tournament and leads by two shots over Shane Lowry, Marcus Armitage and Dylan Frittelli.

McIlroy is then solo fifth on 5-under par. 

After the round, McIlroy was left stunned when informed of his incredible record to start every season as a Tour professional. 

"This is your 20th year as a professional Tour player, you've had a win, six seconds and 15 top-five finishes in your first start of the year," said Barter, a shocked McIlroy put his hands to his eyebrows. 

"That's an incredible record, what's the key to hitting the ground running?"

McIlroy replied: "I would say the opportunity to work on some things when you have a little bit of time off over the Christmas period.

"Then I just think the enthusiasm to start a new year and start fresh.

"I've always loved coming out here to the Middle East and Dubai and playing in these tournaments. 

"Even from when I was an amateur, I've been coming here for over 20 years at this point so it's a place I'm comfortable and made a lot of friends here on the way, and always excited to start my year in Dubai."

Further down the board, Tommy Fleetwood improved dramatically on Saturday with a 66 following a disastrous 78 on Friday that put him out of contention. 

Fleetwood looks on from level par and eight shots off the pace starting Sunday.