Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Lead As He Closes In On DP World Tour Title
The Northern Irish golfer hit five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy secured three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into a share of the lead at the tournament finale and close in on his seventh year-end Race to Dubai crown.
The Northern Irishman shot a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, along with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet happy with shooting my score."
The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight tour championship crown.
Tyrrell Hatton and compatriot Penge are the only two who can stop the Northern Irishman from claiming the season-long title.
The English golfer must win the tournament and have his rival finish worse than the top eight to win it.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I play and play the golf that I know I can achieve, particularly on this golf course, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to end the season."
Marco Penge carded a better 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.
