Dubai - Rory McIlroy extended his lead to four shots with a 6-under 66 in the third round of the Dubai Desert Classic on Saturday.
The top-ranked McIlroy, who led by a stroke overnight, made just one birdie in the back nine on the Majlis course of Emirates Golf Club after five birdies in his first eight holes.
With an overall 20-under 196, McIlroy can challenge the tournament winning record of 22 under, set by Stephen Gallacher in 2013 and Thomas Bjorn in 2001.
Denmark's Morten Orum Madsen (66), who shot a 9-under 63 on Friday, is second.
The $2.5 million tournament forms the closing leg of the three-stop Desert Swing of the European Tour.
Sapa-AP