Rory McIlroy produced two timely eagles today to take charge of the delayed Dubai Desert Classic to remain in the hunt for a maiden professional title. The 19-year-old tapped home from just two feet on the 10th green for his second eagle of the day just as bad light brought an end to third round play at the fog-affected event with the majority of the field still on the course.

McIlroy sits at the top of the leaderboard at 15-under-par after playing his 10 holes in three under with former champion Richard Green and in-form South African Louis Oosthuizen leading the challenge two shots back.

Earlier, he holed from 25 feet on the final green of his second round to spectacularly snatch the halfway lead as his eagle three sealed a four under 68.

Australian Green, the 1997 champion, picked up three shots in a bogey-free 10 holes of his third round, while Abu Dhabi and Qatar runner-up Oosthuizen birdied the 10th to remain in the hunt for his own maiden European Tour title, although he has won five times in his native South Africa.

Justin Rose also picked up a shot at the 10th to move into sole possession of fourth, with Martin Kaymer, Scott Strange, Thomas Levet and Abu Dhabi champion Paul Casey at 10-under-par.

Frenchman Levet fired a six-under-par 66 to make his move up the leaderboard and was only one of 17 out of the 68 who made the cut to complete their third rounds after six hours was lost over the opening two days to morning fog.

New Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie was also able to complete his third round and a two under 70 left the Scot six-under-par overall.

Gary Murphy moved to five under after picking up four shots through 12 holes of his third round. He earlier carded a 68 in his delayed second round.

Graeme McDowell was three under through 16, while Dungannon’s Darren Clarke was one under after 13.

Gareth Maybin finished his third round but a disappointing 77 saw him slump all the way back to one over.