McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Nears DP World Tour Championship
The Northern Irish golfer secured five birdies in his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy made three birdies over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh season-ending tour championship title.
The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance 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), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet pleased to shoot the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship title.
Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from claiming the season-long title.
Hatton must win the tournament and have his rival finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform at the level that I'm capable of, especially around this golf course, I'm confident that I'll be OK.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge carded an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.
