Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Lead While Nears Dubai Title
Rory McIlroy hit five under-par scores in his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy sank three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into the joint lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh season-ending tour championship crown.
The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult but happy with shooting my score."
McIlroy has a substantial lead in the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai crown.
Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from claiming the season-long title.
The English golfer needs to win the tournament while requiring his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform at the level I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK.
"That would represent an amazing way to end the season."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention on four under.
