McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Nears Dubai Title
Rory McIlroy secured five under-par scores in his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy made three birdies in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead of the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh year-end tour championship title.
McIlroy carded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance featuring five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, along with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult but pleased with shooting my score."
The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead in the annual standings as he goes for 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 annual championship.
The English golfer must win the tournament while requiring his rival finish worse than the top eight to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform at the level I can achieve, especially around this layout, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge shot an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.
