Golf

Alejandro del Rey takes the lead at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship

Golf round-up: Harris English cards 66 to take a one-shot lead at Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego

Alejandro del Rey drives on the par-5 third hole during the third round of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club. Photograph: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
Alejandro del Rey drives on the par-5 third hole during the third round of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club. Photograph: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
Sat Jan 25 2025 - 14:23

Alejandro del Rey has a maiden DP World Tour title in his sights after toppling halfway leader Marcus Armitage to take a two-shot advantage into the final round of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship.

Spaniard Del Rey started the day two shots behind Englishman Armitage but made three birdies on each nine in a spotless 66 to reach 16 under par and hit the front in the United Arab Emirates.

The 26-year-old has tasted victory on the Challenge Tour before but has never won at this level and is hoping to change that on Sunday.

He said: “I’ve won on many different tours and places in the world and feel like I know how to get it done.

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“You’ve just got to trust yourself and go out there and do your best. I think I know how to close out tournaments so I’ll try to do that tomorrow.”

Armitage is Del Rey’s nearest challenger on 14 under after making three birdies and one bogey in his 70, while those in a tie for third are five shots further back.

When asked what his game plan is for Sunday, Armitage added with a smile: “Get at him [Del Rey]. Let’s have him. That’s the only thing, let’s have him.”

Pádraig Harrington slipped back to level par for the tournament after carding a one-over 73 where he bogeyed three of the final four holes in a one-over 73.

Meanwhile, Harris English closed out the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open with a string of birdies to take a one-shot lead in San Diego.

Playing on the South Course at Torrey Pines, the American split seven birdies – including three in his final three holes – with a single bogey to card a six-under 66 for a total of nine under par.

That puts him one shot ahead of compatriot Andrew Novak, who did not drop a shot as he also finished with a 66 on Friday.

South Africa’s Aldrich Potgeiter is also in the hunt, sitting on seven under for the tournament thanks to a third-round score of five-under 67.

England’s Danny Willett is the best of the British contingent on two under par.

Shane Lowry missed the cut at Torrey Pines after rounds of 72 and 75.