Howell slips despite Classic fightback (From Swindon Advertiser)

Howell slips despite Classic fightback

9:51am Saturday 2nd February 2013 in Sport By Ned Payne

DAVID Howell picked up four shots in the final six holes but his hopes of a high placing at the Dubai Desert Classic are as good as over.

The Broome Manor pro's fine finish to today's third round only served as a comeback following a disastrous opening seven holes at the Emirates Golf Club.

Howell carded level par and is six-under overall, tied for 43rd at the time of writing.

The 37-year-old bogeyed the first, birdied the third, bogeyed the sixth and then dropped two shots at the par-three seventh, leaving him three-over for the day.

A bogey at 12 only saw Howell slip back further, but he rallied in the closing stages.

The two-time Ryder Cup winner made gains at 13 and 16 before finishing with a superb eagle on the par-five 18th.

A former champion at the Classic in 1999, Howell plays his final round at his 'home' course tomorrow.