The Majlis is a venue that’s a happy hunting ground for Haotong Li. Back in 2018, the 28-year-old, overcame Rory McIlroy on this very course six years ago to claim his then-second DP World Tour title.

He’s now looking for the same on Sunday after his third round of 69 with four birdies and just a solitary bogey on the 17th seeing him just five shots off the leader, Cameron Young.

“Well, I played really, really solid the whole day from the first hole. Just except the 17th, I was a little bit off with my wedge shot and also on the 18th with my second shot. It was a pretty good day,” said Li.

Had it not been for last weekend at the Dubai Invitational, Haotong hasn’t had a weekend golfing since April 2023. A string of 15 missed cuts prior seems to have been a thing of the past for the Chinese player. Now the three-time DP World Tour winner is riding the crest of a wave.

“The momentum is from last week which just makes you feel super comfortable to play the shot. I actually don’t even feel that rusty, especially those tough years, and I have found more appreciation now with the game.

“Hopefully I can get close tomorrow (Sunday) and take another trophy back home.” 

Image: Getty