Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Lead As He Nears DP World Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy secured five birdies during his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy made three birdies over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
The Northern Irishman shot a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance including five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, joining Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, along with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," said the golfer. "The conditions proved difficult yet pleased to shoot the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title.
Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the only two who can stop the Northern Irishman from claiming the season-long title.
Hatton must win this event and have his rival finish worse than the top eight to secure the title.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf that I know that I'm capable of, especially around this golf course, I know that I'll be OK.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
