And the man from Co Down continued to make big strides up the leaderboard on day three, carding eight birdies and a solitary bogey to get to 16 under par and close the gap to a single stroke.

After his round, McIlroy told Sky Sports Golf: "I putted really well and hit the ball very well.

"So all in all, it was another great round and another really good confidence builder - not just for this week but for the rest of the season, as well."

McIlroy has an impressive record at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, with four second-placed finishes to his name.

And he would love to go one better this year.

He added: "It would mean a lot. I've had a lot of close calls here, I think about six top threes or something like that.

"I've never won my first start back out. I was close last year in South Africa, Stormy (Graeme Storm) beat me in a play-off.

"I'm excited to get back on the horse and give myself another chance tomorrow."

Paul Dunne is also well placed in ninth place on 13 under, after also hitting a 65.

Co-leader Pieters, after firing five birdies and no bogeys in his first 17 holes, produced a good par save at the last to remain at the summit.

And Fisher joined the Belgian on 17 under after closing his seven-under-par 65 with a birdie at the 18th.

Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood and fellow Englishman Matthew Fitzpatrick were in a tie for fourth place on 15 under.

Fitzpatrick produced the lowest round of the day, carding 10 birdies and one bogey in his superb 63.