McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Nears DP World Tour Championship
The Northern Irish golfer hit five birdies during his third round
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy secured three birdies in the final five holes to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale and close in on his seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12 under, along with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented the golfer. "Weather conditions proved difficult but pleased to shoot the score that I did."
The 36-year-old has a substantial lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the annual championship.
The English golfer must win this event and have McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and perform at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this layout, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge carded a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.
