Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot While Nears DP World Tour Title
Rory McIlroy hit five birdies during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy sank three under-par scores over the closing stretch to move into the joint lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy shot a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies and a bogey to move to 13-under-par, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult yet pleased with shooting the score that I did."
The 36-year-old has a 767-point lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Tyrrell Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the sole players who can stop the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship.
The English golfer must win this event and have his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and perform at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this layout, I know that I'll be OK.
"That would represent an amazing way to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
