McIlroy Shares Joint Lead While Closes In On DP World Tour Championship
The Northern Irish golfer secured five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -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 (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy sank three under-par scores over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh season-ending tour championship title.
McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance including five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, along with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult but pleased to shoot my score."
McIlroy has a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai crown.
Tyrrell Hatton and compatriot Penge are the only two capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship.
Hatton must win the tournament and have McIlroy to finish outside the top eight to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf at the level I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.
