Rory McIlroy Shares Joint Lead While Closes In On Dubai Title
The Northern Irish golfer recorded five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy sank three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into a share of the lead of the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult yet pleased with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy has a substantial lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title.
Tyrrell Hatton and compatriot Penge are the only two who can stop the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship.
The English golfer needs to win the tournament while requiring his rival finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf that I know I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"It would be an amazing way to end the season."
Penge shot a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.
