McIlroy Shares Joint Top Spot While Closes In On Dubai Championship
The Northern Irish golfer recorded five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer sank three birdies in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to his seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to move to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," said the golfer. "The conditions were tricky enough but happy to shoot my score."
The 36-year-old has a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the only two who can stop McIlroy from winning the season-long title.
Hatton needs to win the tournament while requiring McIlroy finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out 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 conclude the year."
Penge carded a better 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention on four under.
