McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot As He Closes In On DP World Tour Title
The Northern Irish golfer secured five birdies during his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy made three under-par scores over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead of the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
McIlroy carded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13-under-par, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," said the golfer. "Weather conditions were tricky enough but pleased with shooting my score."
McIlroy has a substantial lead in the annual standings as he goes for his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai crown.
Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players who can stop the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship.
The English golfer needs to win this event and have McIlroy finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf at the level I can achieve, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll be OK.
"It would be an amazing way to conclude the year."
Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
