McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot As He Nears DP World Tour Title
The Northern Irish golfer recorded five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer made three birdies over the closing stretch to move into the joint lead of the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to a seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.
The Northern Irishman recorded a 68 in Dubai, in a performance including five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12 under, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult yet happy to shoot the score that I did."
McIlroy has a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from winning the annual championship.
Hatton needs to win the tournament and have his rival to finish outside the top eight to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK.
"It would be an amazing way to conclude the year."
Penge carded an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.
