McIlroy maintains Dubai Desert Classic lead

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Northern Ireland teenager Rory McIlroy maintained his overall lead in the weather-affected Dubai Desert Classic Saturday.

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Rory McIlyor still has eight holes to play in the third round.

McIlroy's third round featured an eagle but was halted after 10 holes when play was suspended because of darkness. His total of 169 is good for a two-shot lead over Richard Green of Australia, who was at 13-under after 11 holes, and South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen, playing in McIlroy's group.

France's Thomas Levet, one of the 17 players to complete the third round, was the clubhouse leader with a 10-under 206 following a round of 66.

The European Tour event has been severely affected by early morning fog, which has resulted in the loss of six hours of play.

The second round, which began Friday, was not completed until Saturday forcing the delay of the third round until 1.30 p.m.

When play was suspended for the day Saturday, only six of the 23 groups had completed their third round. The remaining 51 players will return to the course to complete their third rounds at 7.20 a.m. Sunday.

McIlroy, 19, had finished his second round at 4-under 68, which helped him retain a one-stroke halfway lead over Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Oosthuizen.

"It would be huge if I win here -- one of the best events on the Tour. If I could pull it off, it would be absolutely fantastic. But right now, I have got the tee shot on the 11th tomorrow morning on my mind, and that's all I can do," McIlroy said.

Three-time champion Ernie Els missed the cut by a stroke after rounds of 71 and 73 left him at a level-par 144.