McIlroy Holds Tied Lead While Nears Dubai Championship
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 (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy secured three birdies in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead of the tournament finale and close in on a seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13-under-par, joining Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet pleased with shooting the score that I did."
The 36-year-old has a substantial lead in the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai crown.
Hatton and compatriot Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from winning the season-long title.
The English golfer needs to win the tournament while requiring his rival finish worse than the top eight to win it.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and perform at the level that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be an amazing way to end the season."
Penge shot an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
