McIlroy Holds Tied Lead As He Nears Dubai Championship
Rory McIlroy hit five birdies during his third round
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), 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 claim a share of the lead of the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai title.
The Northern Irishman carded a 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to move to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult but pleased to shoot the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead in the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai title.
Tyrrell Hatton along with compatriot Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from winning the season-long title.
The English golfer needs to win the tournament while requiring McIlroy finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf that I know I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to end the season."
Marco Penge carded a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
