McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot While Closes In On Dubai Title
Rory McIlroy hit five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy secured three under-par scores over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh season-ending tour championship crown.
McIlroy carded a 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult yet happy to shoot my score."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight Race to Dubai title.
Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players who can stop the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship.
The English golfer needs to win this event while requiring McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"That would represent an amazing way to conclude the year."
Marco Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.
