Rory McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot While Closes In On Dubai Championship
Rory McIlroy hit five birdies during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy sank three under-par scores over the closing stretch to move into a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to a seventh year-end tour championship title.
McIlroy carded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, joining Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, along with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "The conditions were tricky enough but pleased to shoot the score that I did."
McIlroy has a 767-point lead in the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship title.
Hatton and compatriot Marco Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.
Hatton must win the tournament and have his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title.
"My position is stronger 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 golf course, I'm confident that I'll be OK.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot a better 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.
