It proved a bad 'moving day' for Rory McIlroy too in Saturday's third round, as Spain's Eugenio Chacarra continued to enhance his bid to win the tour's 'Race to Dubai' order of merit by moving into a two-shot lead.
There was only huge disappointment, though, for Australia's top-ranked player Lee, who wasn't fit enough on Saturday to even turn out and complete his second round after playing only five holes on Friday in the storm-interrupted $A5.7 m event.
Revealing his woes on Instagram, the world No.31 explained: "Sad to say I've had to withdraw. A stomach illness triggered some tough back spasms, and I'm just not able to compete this weekend.
"Huge thanks to DP World, the tournament staff, and all the fans for the incredible hospitality and support this week. Priority now is getting back to 100%."
In the build-up to the tournament, Lee had been enthusing about his trip to Delhi and his cookery session with Saransh Goila, raving about the acclaimed celebrity chef's butter chicken dish.
He had been level par for the tournament, far from being in the shake-up, when play finished early on Friday.
Saturday's play was concluded early too in fading light, necessitating a busy final Sunday with Chacarra on 14 under, with still seven holes of his third round to play.
Dutchman Joost Luiten and another Spaniard Angel Hidalgo were on 12 under, with six and seven holes, respectively, of their third rounds to finish. New Zealand's Daniel Hillier, Poland's Adrian Meronk and Scotland's Scott Jamieson are a further shot back.
Patrick Reed and McIlroy, who are battling with Chacarra for the order of merit crown, were eight and 10 shots off the lead, respectively, with the Spaniard in line to take over from Reed at the top.
McIlroy had been only four shots off the 36-hole lead after a second-round 68 but he endured a shocking eight-hole stretch in the third round, featuring four bogeys and a double-bogey when he duffed a chip from thick greenside rough.
McIlroy is seeking an eighth order of merit title, which would tie the record of Colin Montgomerie.
The only Australian left in the event after Lee's withdrawal is Ryan Peake, who's tied for 48th on two under par, with a couple of holes left in his third round still to finish.
