ABU DHABI – Germany’s Martin Kaymer looks set for an unprecedented third Abu Dhabi Golf Championship title as he opened up a five shot lead after the third round of 2.7 million dollars European Tour event.
The European No1 and US PGA Championship winner shot his second consecutive bogey-free round – this time a six-under par 66 – to open his formidable lead at 18-under 198. Northern Ireland tyro Rory McIlroy tried to bridge the gap with a birdie-eagle finish for a superb seven-under par 65, but that was only good for second place at 203, one ahead of English journeyman David Lynn (67).
First-round leader Charl Schwartzel struggled but battled his way to a one-under par 71 round to be tied fourth at 10-under 206 along with Sweden’s Alexander Noren, who signed for a five-under par 67. A birdie on the 18th did little to lift the spirits of US Open champion Graeme McDowell as he knew he missed a chance on a perfect scoring day. The Ulsterman shot a 71 and was tied for sixth place at 207 with compatriot Gareth Maybin. Just how well Kaymer plays on the National course of Abu Dhabi Golf Club can be gauged by his total scores over the last three years – 21-under in 2010; 20-under in 2009 and 15-under in 2008.
Given he is 18-under after three rounds already, that would be a staggering 74-under par in his last 15 rounds here. And McIlroy acknowledged that Kaymer would be tough to beat. He speaks from experience, having shot a 67 on the final day last year after starting the day one behind Kaymer, and still losing by two as the German shot a 66.
“I wouldn’t say he’s unbeatable, but he’ll be very tough to beat,” said McIlroy, who revealed he did not touch his clubs for six weeks over the winter break, during which he suffered from a bout of swine flu and broke up with his long-time girlfriend. “He seems so solid out there. I don’t think he’s made a bogey today. He’s very comfortable with the lead and he’s shown that over the past couple of years.
“I’ll have to go out and play very similar to the way I did today if I want to have any sort of a chance.” Kaymer agreed with McIlroy, but was quick to add that he would need to play well for that to happen. “It will be difficult for Rory if I play good golf. If I shoot anything under 70 tomorrow (Sunday), then it will be very difficult for him to catch me,” said Kaymer.
“But anything can happen. I can play a bad round. I think it’s going to be a great challenge. He is not going to back up! Rory will go for everything. “I’m leading by five now, yes, but everyone knows Rory can shoot 5, 6 under for the first nine holes. Leading by five gives me a cushion, but it will be a good challenge.”
World No1 Lee Westwood slipped way down the leaderboard after a round of 73, while Phil Mickelson world No4 and reigning Masters champion could do just one better for an even-par 72. He is now tied 39th at three-under 213.
