Tommy Fleetwood enjoyed a dream start to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as he led the way after round one.
Fleetwood equalled the course record at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, with the Englishman carding a 10-under 62 in the latest DP World Tour event.
He then shot 68 in his second round at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, leaving Fleetwood in a four-way tie for second.
But Fleetwood slipped further down the standings with a third-round 71, with compatriot Paul Waring leading the way going into Sunday.
It was a disappointing display from Fleetwood, who has gradually declined since his bogey-free first round.
What Tommy Fleetwood did after his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship third round
He was, however, still just three shots off the leader going into the final round, with Fleetwood still in with a chance of a third Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title.
“We’ll see,” he said of potentially winning in his latest press conference. “I suppose when you’re three back it’s not quite in your hands, but I’ll do a bit of practise now. I’ll go out tomorrow, try my best. I’ll either play really well, play average or don’t play well at all.
“But hopefully it’s another good day and I continue to show form, and actually find myself up there contending from the back nine. And who knows, I’ll just concentrate on my own game and go out there and try my hardest. Hopefully it is my turn.”
Paul Waring breaks course record at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Fleetwood has a new putter in his bag for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, and it certainly proved a great decision on Thursday.
But his second round putting was hugely frustrating, with the Englishman unable to find consistency on the green.
He was, however, level with fellow Ryder Cup star Shane Lowry in a four-way tie for third heading into Sunday at Yas Links.
Leader Waring had a similarly frustrating third round, having gone one better than Fleetwood and broken the course record in round two.
The Englishman carded an 11-under-61 to take a five-shot lead, with Waring recording nine birdies and an eagle to move to 19-under.
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