McIlroy Shares Joint Top Spot While Nears DP World Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy recorded five birdies in his third round
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
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 (Eng)
The world-class golfer made three birdies over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead of the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy carded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13-under-par, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12 under, along with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," commented the golfer. "Weather conditions proved difficult but pleased with shooting the score that I did."
The 36-year-old has a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title.
Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from winning the season-long title.
The English golfer must win the tournament while requiring his rival to finish outside the top eight to win it.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and perform at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this layout, I know that I'll succeed.
"That would represent an amazing way to conclude the year."
Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.
