McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot While Closes In On Dubai Championship
The Northern Irish golfer hit five under-par scores in his third round
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), 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 (England)
Rory McIlroy made three birdies over the closing stretch to move into a share of the lead at the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh year-end 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 move to 13-under-par, joining Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult but pleased with shooting my score."
The 36-year-old has a 767-point lead in the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Tyrrell Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from winning the season-long title.
Hatton must win the tournament while requiring his rival finish worse than tied for eighth to win it.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and perform that I know I can achieve, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll be OK.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to end the season."
Penge shot a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention at four-under-par.
