Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot While Closes In On DP World Tour Title
Rory McIlroy recorded five under-par scores in his third round
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy sank three birdies in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh season-ending tour championship title.
The Northern Irishman shot a 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet pleased with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy has a 767-point lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the only two capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from winning the season-long title.
The English golfer must win the tournament and have his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," stated 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 golf course, I know that I'll be OK.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention at four-under-par.
