McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot While Closes In On Dubai Championship
Rory McIlroy recorded five under-par scores in his third round
Season Finale Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy secured three under-par scores over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
McIlroy recorded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet happy to shoot my score."
The 36-year-old has a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth straight Race to Dubai title.
Hatton along with fellow Englishman Penge are the only two who can stop the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship.
The English golfer must win the tournament and have McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform that I know that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"That would represent an amazing way to end the season."
Penge shot an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.
