Rory McIlroy Shares Joint Lead While Nears DP World Tour Title
Rory McIlroy secured five birdies during his third round
Season Finale Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy sank three birdies over the closing stretch to move into a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh year-end tour championship title.
McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance including five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, along with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions were tricky enough but pleased with shooting my score."
The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai crown.
Hatton and compatriot Penge are the only two who can stop the Northern Irishman from winning the season-long title.
Hatton needs to win this event and have McIlroy finish worse than the top eight to win it.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and perform at the level I can achieve, especially around this golf course, I'm confident that I'll be OK.
"It would be an amazing way to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
