McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot While Nears DP World Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy secured five under-par scores in his Saturday performance
Season Finale Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy secured three birdies in the final five holes to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, joining Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet happy with shooting my score."
The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship title.
Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the only two capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship.
Hatton must win this event while requiring his rival to finish outside the top eight to win it.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this layout, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be an amazing way to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot a better 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
