Rory McIlroy Shares Joint Top Spot While Closes In On DP World Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy secured 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 (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy sank three under-par scores over the closing stretch to move into the joint lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh season-ending tour championship title.
McIlroy shot a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, along with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," commented the golfer. "The conditions proved difficult but pleased to shoot the score that I did."
McIlroy has a substantial lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai title.
Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the only two capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the season-long title.
The English golfer must win this event while requiring McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and play the golf that I know I can achieve, especially around this layout, I know that I'll be OK.
"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 on four under.
