Rory McIlroy Shares Tied Lead While Closes In On Dubai Championship
Rory McIlroy recorded five birdies in his Saturday performance
Season Finale Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -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 secured three under-par scores over the closing stretch to move into a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh year-end Race to Dubai crown.
The Northern Irishman carded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance featuring five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," said the golfer. "Weather conditions proved difficult but pleased with shooting the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai crown.
Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the only two capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship.
Hatton needs to win the tournament and have McIlroy finish worse than tied for eighth to win it.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and play the golf that I know I can achieve, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.
