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McIlroy is one shot behind leader Martin Kaymer going into the final round of the Abu Dhabi Championship after firing a 67 on Saturday.
McIlroy carded six birdies and his only dropped shot came at the long 10th as he finished on 14 under.
Ian Poulter is tied with McIlroy with Peter Hanson a shot further back while Shane Lowry (71) is alongside Chris Wood and Alvaro Quiros on 12 under.
Darren Clarke hit a 71 for third under while Peter Lawrie (70) is four under.
McIlroy went to the turn in 32 and producing four birdies on his front nine.
His momentum was halted as his dropped a shot at the par-five 10th but he then produced a fine up-and-down to avoid squandering another shot at the 11th.
McIlroy then slotted a 20 footer for a birdie at the short 12th and five straight pars were followed by a birdie at the long closing hole.
Lowry made a brilliant start to his round by picking up birdies at his opening two holes but after bogeying the fifth, the Offaly man finished with 13 straight pars.
After starting at the 10th, Clarke produced two bogeys and a birdie on his opening nine while he undid some of the damage by picking up two birdies on his second nine.
Overnight leader, Rick Kulacz dropped back to 11 under after a 73 while Sergio Garcia slipped to nine under after a disappointing 74.
Lee Westwood blames "fishing rod" clubs after Abu Dhabi exit.
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Abu Dhabi International Airport - 41°F
