McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Nears DP World Tour Championship
The Northern Irish golfer secured five under-par scores in his third round
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer secured three birdies in the final five holes to move into a share of the lead at the tournament finale and close in on his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, along with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet happy to shoot the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth straight Race to Dubai crown.
Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the only two capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the season-long title.
The English golfer must win the tournament and have his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and perform at the level I can achieve, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll be OK.
"It would be an amazing way to end the season."
Marco Penge carded an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
