McIlroy Shares Joint Lead As He Nears DP World Tour Title
The Northern Irish golfer recorded five birdies during his third round
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer sank three under-par scores in the final five holes to claim the joint lead of the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh year-end Race to Dubai crown.
McIlroy recorded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance including five birdies and a bogey to move to 13-under-par, joining Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," said the golfer. "The conditions proved difficult but pleased with shooting my score."
McIlroy has a substantial lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players who can stop the Northern Irishman from claiming the season-long title.
The English golfer needs to win this event while requiring McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform that I know I can achieve, especially around this golf course, I know that I'll be OK.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.
