McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Closes In On DP World Tour Title
Rory McIlroy recorded five under-par scores in his third round
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -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 (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy made three birdies over the closing stretch to move into the joint lead at the tournament finale and close in on a seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy shot a 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring 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 Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," commented the golfer. "The conditions proved difficult but happy with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight Race to Dubai crown.
Hatton and compatriot Penge are the only two capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship.
Hatton needs to win the tournament while requiring his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position compared to 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 layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to end the season."
Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.