Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Lead As He Nears DP World Tour Title
The Northern Irish golfer secured five under-par scores during his third round
Season Finale Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy sank three birdies 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 tour championship title.
The Northern Irishman shot a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult but pleased with shooting the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Tyrrell Hatton along with compatriot Marco Penge are the only two capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the annual championship.
The English golfer needs to win this event while requiring 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 play and perform at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to end the season."
Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
