McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot While Nears Dubai Championship
The Northern Irish golfer secured five birdies in his third round
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy sank three birdies in the final five holes to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale and close in on his seventh year-end tour championship title.
McIlroy carded a 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," said the golfer. "The conditions proved difficult yet pleased with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy has a 767-point lead in the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title.
Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players who can stop the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship.
Hatton must win the tournament and have his rival to finish outside 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 go out and perform at the level I can achieve, especially around this layout, I know that I'll be OK.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention at four-under-par.
