McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Closes In On DP World Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy recorded five birdies in his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer made three under-par scores over the closing stretch to move into a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy shot a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to move to 13-under-par, joining Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions were tricky enough but pleased to shoot my score."
The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai crown.
Hatton along with fellow Englishman 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 finish worse than the top eight to win it.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll succeed.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to end the season."
Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention on four under.
