McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Closes In On DP World Tour Title
Rory McIlroy secured five birdies in his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy secured three birdies in the final five holes 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.
McIlroy shot a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented the golfer. "The conditions were tricky enough but happy with shooting my score."
The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth consecutive tour championship title.
Tyrrell Hatton and compatriot Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.
Hatton needs to win the tournament while requiring his rival to finish outside the top eight to win it.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and perform 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 shot a better 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
