McIlroy Holds Joint Lead As He Closes In On Dubai Title
Rory McIlroy recorded five birdies in his third round
Season Finale Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer secured three birdies over the closing stretch to move into the joint lead of 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, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13-under-par, joining Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult but pleased to shoot my score."
The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title.
Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the sole players who can stop the Northern Irishman from claiming the season-long title.
Hatton needs to win the tournament while requiring McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and play the golf at the level 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 carded an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention on four under.
