McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot As He Closes In On DP World Tour Title
Rory McIlroy secured five under-par scores during his third round
Season Finale Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy sank three under-par scores in the final five holes to claim the joint lead of the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to his seventh year-end Race to Dubai crown.
McIlroy shot a 68 in Dubai, in a performance including five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, along with Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, along with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," said the golfer. "The conditions proved difficult but happy to shoot my score."
McIlroy has a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai title.
Tyrrell Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the sole players who can stop the Northern Irishman from winning the season-long title.
Hatton needs to win this event while requiring McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform that I know I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge carded a better 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
