McIlroy Holds Tied Lead As He Nears DP World Tour Championship
The Northern Irish golfer recorded five under-par scores during his third round
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer sank three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into the joint lead of the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy carded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, joining Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," said the golfer. "The conditions proved difficult yet pleased with shooting my score."
McIlroy has a substantial lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship title.
Hatton along with fellow Englishman Penge are the only two capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the season-long title.
Hatton needs to win this event while requiring McIlroy finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and play the golf that I know I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I know that I'll be OK.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge carded a better 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention at four-under-par.
