Rory McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Closes In On DP World Tour Title
The Northern Irish golfer secured five birdies in his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy secured 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 year-end tour championship crown.
McIlroy carded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented the golfer. "The conditions proved difficult yet pleased to shoot the score that I did."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth consecutive tour championship title.
Hatton and compatriot Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the season-long title.
Hatton must win this event and have McIlroy finish worse than the top eight to win it.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and perform at the level I can achieve, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"It would be an amazing way to end the season."
Marco Penge carded a better 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
