McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot As He Nears DP World Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy hit five birdies in his third round
DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer secured three birdies over the closing stretch to move into the joint lead of the tournament finale and close in on his seventh year-end tour championship title.
McIlroy recorded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, along with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet happy to shoot the score that I did."
McIlroy holds a 767-point lead in the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai crown.
Tyrrell Hatton and compatriot Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.
The English golfer must win the tournament and have his rival finish worse than tied for eighth to win it.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and perform that I know that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be an amazing way to conclude the year."
Penge carded a better 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.
