McIlroy Shares Joint Lead While Nears DP World Tour Title
Rory McIlroy recorded five birdies during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -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 DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
The Northern Irishman shot a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented the golfer. "Weather conditions were tricky enough but happy with shooting my score."
The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead in the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight tour championship crown.
Hatton and compatriot Marco Penge are the only two capable of preventing McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.
Hatton needs to win the tournament and have McIlroy to finish outside the top eight to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf that I know that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"That would represent an amazing way to end the season."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.
