McIlroy Shares Tied Top Spot While Nears Dubai Title
The Northern Irish golfer secured five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy secured three under-par scores over the closing stretch to move into a share of the lead of the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
McIlroy recorded a 68 in Dubai, in a performance including five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented the golfer. "The conditions were tricky enough yet pleased with shooting the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai crown.
Hatton and compatriot Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the season-long title.
The English golfer must win the tournament and have his rival finish worse than tied for eighth to win it.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf that I know I can achieve, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.
