Elvira takes two-shot lead into final round at Dubai Invitational

Nacho Elvira moved two shots clear after a third-round 68 in breezy conditions at the 2026 Dubai Invitational on Saturday. The Spaniard is 8-under through 54 holes at Dubai Creek Resort.

Elvira began the day tied for the lead with Shane Lowry at 5-under, then recovered from an early bogey with four birdies to take sole control heading into the final round.

Dylan Frittelli led the chase with a bogey-free 66 to reach 7-under and share second with Lowry and England’s Marcus Armitage. Frittelli picked up three straight birdies from the third and added further gains at the 11th and 18th to post the day’s best score among the contenders.

Lowry remained in the mix at 7-under, while Armitage closed with a birdie putt from 21 feet at the 18th to join him and Frittelli in second.

Rory McIlroy signed for a 68 to sit T-5 at 5-under. He made three birdies on the back nine — at the 10th, 13th and 16th — but has ground to make up going into Sunday.

Elvira is chasing his third DP World Tour title, having previously won the 2021 Cazoo Open and the 2024 Soudal Open.

Photo – DPWT