McIlroy Shares Tied Lead While Closes In On DP World Tour Title
Rory McIlroy recorded five birdies in his Saturday performance
Season Finale Third-Round Standings
-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 (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy made three under-par scores in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead of the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to his seventh season-ending tour championship title.
The Northern Irishman recorded a 68 in Dubai, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to move to 13-under-par, joining Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult but pleased to shoot the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead in the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth straight Race to Dubai title.
Tyrrell Hatton and compatriot Marco Penge are the only two capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from winning the season-long title.
The English golfer must win the tournament while requiring his rival finish worse than the top eight to secure the title.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. 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.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
