Rory McIlroy Shares Joint Top Spot While Nears DP World Tour Title
Rory McIlroy hit five under-par scores in his third round
Season Finale Third-Round 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 (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer secured three birdies over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead of the tournament finale and close in on a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
McIlroy shot a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," said the golfer. "Weather conditions were tricky enough but happy to shoot the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Hatton along with compatriot Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the season-long title.
Hatton must win this event while requiring McIlroy finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf that I know I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"That would represent an amazing way to end the season."
Penge shot a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.
