Defending champion Rory McIlroy continued to struggle at Emirates Golf Club while No. 223-ranked Daniel Hillier finished with a one-stroke lead on Saturday after the third round of the Dubai Desert Classic.

Seeking his third straight title and fifth total at Dubai, McIlroy was 1-over after the front nine without a single birdie.

McIlroy made four birdies on the back nine to finish with a 69 on Saturday. He sits seven shots off the pace.

The No. 3-ranked McIlroy is looking up from a 12th-place tie.

“I’d need to go out and shoot 63 tomorrow,” McIlroy said. “If the conditions are right, I’ve been able to do that before, especially if you can make a score on the front nine before that scorable back nine.

McIlroy squeaked into the weekend at 3 under par, following a 70 on Thursday and 71 on Friday.

The Northern Irishman will need a stroke of luck to stave off the streaking New Zealander in the lead. Hillier is 13-under par for the week and looking for the biggest win of his career.

“It would be life-changing,” Hillier said. “Last year was pretty tough. It was a bit of a grind. I was getting pretty frustrated with myself towards the end of the year. Gave myself a little bit of a break and time to reset, and I’m feeling refreshed. Yeah, excited for tomorrow.”

–Field Level Media