Three-time DP World Tour victor Ewen Ferguson the halfway leader in Dubai after remarkable final hole; defending champion Rory McIlroy nine adrift; watch the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday on Sky Sports Golf,

If Rory McIlroy is to emulate the history of the likes of Ernie Els and Sir Nick Faldo, he will have to repeat his own history here at the Desert Classic.

A 22-year-old American amateur making his debut on the DP World Tour upstaged Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and many of the world’s top players at the Dubai Desert Classic.

Rory McIlroy will need a spectacular weekend to win a third straight Dubai Desert Classic title after slipping nine shots behind halfway leader Ewen Ferguson

Rory McIlroy has expressed disappointment over the imminent move to LIV Golf of Tom McKibbin, his fellow Northern Irishman and player he has mentored. “I don’t think it’s worth the sacrifice,” said McIlroy of the 22-year-old’s upcoming switch.

Rory McIlroy has thrown shade at Jon Rahm's 'rose-tinted glasses' view that golf is in its 'golden era', despite the PGA Tour-LIV Golf division. Both McIlroy and Rahm are teeing up at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic this week, and Rahm didn't shy away from singing praises of the current state of golf, even with the tumult caused by rival factions.

Dubai-based Scot Ewen Ferguson leads way on 12 under while Jon Rahm’s struggles cause a surprise after dismal 77.