RORY MCILROY BOUNCED back from a shaky start to keep right in contention at the Dubai Desert Classic.

Bidding for back-to-back titles at the desert showpiece, and a record-equalling third win overall, McIlroy opened with a bogey six but recovered to finish on four-under-par 68.

That included an impressive save on the 18th where his tee shot found the water — and he still managed to make birdie.

The world number two sits two shots off the lead, currently shared by Swedish duo Alex Noren and Peter Hanson.

“To be able to shoot something at least in the 60s today was very pleasing,” he told EuropeanTour.com.

I didn’t have any best stuff out there at some points, but when I got myself out of position, I was able to get myself back in position and make pars and a few birdies out there. All in all, I feel like it was a good round of golf.

Graeme McDowell shot a three-under-par 69 while Darren Clarke, who bolted into an early lead, dropped five shots in his last five holes to finish on one-under.

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