Victor Perez still in with chance of Hero Dubai Desert Classic title

Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winner sits four shots behind leader Rory McIlroy at Emirates Golf Club on Sunday

Rory McIlroy tees-off on the 18th hole during Round 3 of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 29, 2023. The Northern Irishman finished the day with a three-shot lead. Getty

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy tees-off on the 17th hole on his way to a third-round 65. Getty

Rory McIlroy tees-off on the 15th hole. Getty

Victor Perez tees-off on the 18th hole on his way to a third-round 66 that left the Frenchman four shots behind leader Rory McIlroy. Getty

Patrick Reed talks to his caddie on the 18th hole on his way to a third-round 69 that left the American four shots off the lead. AP

Ian Poulter tees-off on the first hole on his way to a third-round 69 that left the Englishman four shots off the lead. Getty

England's Callum Shinkwin lines-up a putt on the 17th green on his way to a third-round 67 that leaves him three shots off the lead. Getty

England's Dan Bradbury tees-off on the eighth hole on his way to a third-round 68 that left him three shots off the lead. Getty

England's Richard Bland on his way to a third-round 71 that left him four shots off the lead. EPA

Shaun Norris of South Africa tees-off on the 18th hole on his way to a third-round 67 that left him four shots off the lead. Getty

Paul Radley

Given his finish at Yas Links last weekend, Victor Perez might have been forgiven for putting his feet up and spending this week counting all of the €1.4 million ($1.52m) or so that was newly arrived in his bank account.

Or maybe spend it polishing the shiny new Falcon Trophy that was now in his possession. Or just have a party.

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Instead, the 2023 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winner has been straight back to work, and in fine style, too.

Rather than dwell on his success last week, the Frenchman has opted to follow the path of making hay while the sun shines. A good few more euros and Ryder Cup ranking points are heading his way as a result.

And there is still the outside chance of another Rolex Series title, eight days after the last one.

Perez kept himself in sight of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic leader, Rory McIlroy, after shooting a 6-under-par 66 in Sunday’s delayed third round. It took him to 11-under for the tournament, four shots behind the world No 1.

Perez said the Northern Irishman provides an example for players like himself who are aspiring to reach the top echelons of the sport.

“I think the good side of [winning a Rolex Series event] it is that you know you're playing well, so obviously that gives you a lot of confidence,” Perez said.

Perez wins in Abu Dhabi

Victor Perez of France poses with the trophy after winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links on January 22, 2023. Getty

Winner Victor Perez of France acknowledges fans on the 18th green. Getty

French Victor Perez celebrates with his caddie James Erkenbeck after making a birdie from the bunker on the 17th. EPA

Victor Perez plays his second shot on the 17th hole, which he holed from the bunker for a birdie. AP

Victor Perez of France celebrates after his birdie on the 17th. Getty

Victor Perez plays his third shot on the 18th hole at Yas Links. Getty

Victor Perez of France in action during the final round. EPA

Sebastian Soderberg of Sweden in action during the final round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on January 22, 2023. EPA

Min Woo Lee lines up a putt on the 12th green. Getty

Padraig Harrington on the first hole. AFP

Shane Lowry plays a shot on the 10th hole. AP

Sebastian Soderberg of Sweden plays a shot on 10th hole. AP

Min Woo Lee plays his approach on the 10th hole. AP

Italian Francesco Molinari plays his second shot on the 12th hole. Getty

Shane Lowry tees off on the 11th hole. AP

Shubhankar Sharma of India tees off on the 2nd hole. AP

“The downside is people might expect you to play well. You have to try to make the best of both worlds.

“The best players in the world deal with that every week, so eventually if you want to progress and lead to the top 20, or 10, or No 1 in the world, you have to [manage that].

“Rory is expected to a play great and win almost every week that he tees it up. It's something that you have to learn how to manage.”

Perez did not drop a shot in his third round, but acknowledged it was scratchier than the scorecard suggested, and he chipped in for birdie on the par-5 third hole.

He also pointed out that it would require another low score if he is to stand a chance of reeling in two-time Classic champion McIlroy over the closing 18 on Monday, but he is glad to be in the conversation again.

“It would be incredible to go back-to-back, obviously two Rolex Series events to start the year would be incredible,” Perez said.

“I think it would be probably the best start in European Tour history, or something like that. It would be great.

“It's going to be a tough battle with some great players and it's going to take a low one to get it done tomorrow.”

Updated: January 29, 2023, 2:05 PM