Defending champion Jon Rahm is in contention going into the final round of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Ballyliffin Golf Club on Sunday.

The Spaniard got off to a blistering start on Saturday, carding four birdies in his first five holes but he failed to convert any birdie chances on the back nine and a cruel miss on 18 denied him another birdie. 

Speaking to Off the Ball's Will O'Callaghan after his round, he said: "I think I carry some frustration from 17 - I mean it was as easy a 12-footer as you're going to get. It was straight up the hill, right edge. All I had to do was get it to the hole and not getting to the hole, I get a little frustrated. 

"The putt on 18 looked so good all the way - a 90 degree lip-out is pretty cruel to finish on but overall, I made a great save on 15, which if I make bogey there I make birdie on 18 and it's still the same score. 

"A round of 5 under par is a great score, a six under total and four back - hopefully I don't get too far away and it's a great spot to be at. 

"I'm pretty sure it'll be about four shots tomorrow and hopefully the weather that's expected comes in so I don't get too far away. I don't wish bad play for anybody out there obviously but I hope they don't get too far away and I have a decent chance tomorrow," he added. 

Rahm is looking to become the first player to defend the Irish Open since Colin Montgomerie in 1997.