McIlroy Holds Joint Lead While Nears Dubai Title
Rory McIlroy recorded five birdies during his third round
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy made three under-par scores in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead of the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh season-ending tour championship title.
The Northern Irishman recorded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult but happy to shoot the score that I did."
The 36-year-old has a 767-point lead in the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth straight tour championship title.
Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from claiming the season-long title.
The English golfer must win the tournament and have his rival to finish outside the top eight to secure the title.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and perform at the level I can achieve, particularly on this golf course, I'm confident that I'll be OK.
"That would represent an amazing way to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
