Closing double-bogey derails Rory McIlroy’s charge in Abu Dhabi
Rory McIlroy’s bid for a fifth HSBC Championship evaporated with a damaging double-bogey on the closing hole of his third round. The Northern Irishman, seeking a first victory since the CJ Cup in October 2021, was lurking with three shots to make up on halfway and three to play on Saturday at Yas Links. But, after scrambling to save par on 16 and 17, McIlroy’s wayward tee shot on the par-five last found water short of the green. The resulting double took him to two over par and down to 12th position, nine shots behind new leader Thomas Pieters.