RAI'S FLYING SO HIGH... AS TOMMY AND NIC JOIN FUN

English star Rai carded a superb 66 yesterday, including seven birdies

- BY EUAN PARSONS

AARON RAI heads into the final round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship with a ‘one-shot lead - but two-time champion Tommy Fleetwood and Nicolai Hojgaard are both breathing down his neck.

Halfway co-leader Rai flew out of the traps yesterday, with the Brit turning in 31 thanks to five front-nine birdies.

He made two more after the turn to briefly hold a three-shot lead before a bogey on the 17th and closing birdies from Ryder Cup stars Fleetwood and Hojgaard cut his advantage.

Rai’s third-round 66 sees him go into today’s fourth round on 20 under par, one clear of nearest challengers Fleetwood and Hojgaard.