Stephen Gallacher takes 2-shot lead over Rory McIlroy in Dubai Desert Classic

Defending champion Stephen Gallacher had seven birdies and an eagle on the back nine Saturday to surge past Rory McIlroy and take a two-shot lead into the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic.

Gallacher equaled the European Tour record for the lowest nine-hole score with an inward 28 for a 9-under 63. That gave him a 16-under total of 200, with McIlroy in second after 69.

Tiger Woods is 11 shots back after a 70.

Gallacher started with seven straight pars before a bogey on the eighth. But he birdied the next four holes before an eagle on the par-5 13th. After another par, he finished with four straight birdies.

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