McIlroy closes gap in Dubai with nine-under 63

Rory McIlroy shot a nine-under-par 63 to reduce Cameron Young's lead to two strokes going into the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic.

McIlroy, the defending champion, was 10 shots behind Young at the halfway stage.

The Northern Irishman hit seven birdies and finished his round on an eagle to finish 12 under.

"I love coming back here. It would be amazing if I could get another win," said McIlroy.

McIlroy was tied 24th after the second round but consecutive birdies on the seventh, eighth and ninth to finish the front nine put the 34-year-old back in contention.

The four-time Major winner ended his round with a brilliant eagle putt on the eighteenth to finish on 63.

Should McIlroy win the title on Sunday, he will become the first four-time winner of the Dubai Desert Classic.

"It would be amazing. I'd be the first player to get my name on it four times. It would be awesome," said McIlroy.

"I've had so much success in Dubai, whether it's been at this tournament or over at Jumeirah Golf Estates and the Race To Dubai. It's been a really, really good place to me."

American Young, who had a three-shot lead at the start of the third round, double bogeyed on the seventh and dropped another shot on the eighth.

The world number 25 recovered with birdies on the eleventh and thirteenth holes to finish the round on par and lead on 14 under par overall.

Poland's Adrian Meronk is tied with McIlroy in second after a two-under-par third round.