Rory McIlroy Shares Tied Lead While Nears DP World Tour Title
Rory McIlroy hit five birdies during his third round
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer made three under-par scores in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to a seventh year-end tour championship title.
McIlroy carded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "The conditions were tricky enough yet pleased with shooting my score."
McIlroy has a substantial lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai crown.
Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the sole players who can stop the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship.
Hatton must win this event while requiring McIlroy to finish outside the top eight to secure the title.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform that I know that I'm capable of, especially around this golf course, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"That would represent an amazing way to conclude the year."
Marco Penge carded a better 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.