Rory McIlroy Holds Tied Lead While Nears Dubai Title
The Northern Irish golfer hit five under-par scores during his third round
DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy made three under-par scores over the closing stretch to move into the joint lead at the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult yet pleased with shooting the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai title.
Hatton and compatriot Penge are the only two who can stop McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.
Hatton needs to win this event and have McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge shot a better 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.
