DP World Tour: Elvira leads heading into final day in Dubai, as McIlroy remains in the hunt

Nacho Elvira during round three of the DUBAI Invitational / credit: Getty Images

Nacho Elvira mastered breezy conditions for a second day to earn a two-shot advantage heading into the final round of the 2026 Dubai Invitational.

The Spaniard shared the overnight second-round lead with Shane Lowry at five under, and he overcame an early bogey to add four birdies and card a 68, getting to eight under par on Saturday at Dubai Creek Resort.

Elvira is seeking his third DP World Tour title after successes at the 2021 Cazoo Open supported by Gareth Bale and 2024 Soudal Open.

He leads by two from a stacked chasing pack, with South African Dylan Frittelli sharing second place after a sparkling 66 alongside Lowry and Englishman Marcus Armitage, with World Number Two Rory McIlroy a shot further back.

Armitage helped playing partner Geoff Yang to victory at 17 under par in the 54-hole amateur team event. Sunday will see the professionals only compete for the 2026 Dubai Invitational title.

Fife's Connor Syme shot a 1-under-par round of 70 and will begin Sunday 6 shots back of Elvira. Calum Hill will begin Sunday 10 off the lead after 71 on Saturday.