McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot While Nears Dubai Championship
The Northern Irish golfer secured five under-par scores in his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer sank three birdies in the final five holes to move into the joint lead at the tournament finale and close in on his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
The Northern Irishman shot a 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13-under-par, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult but happy with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues 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 needs to win this event and have his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform at the level I can achieve, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to end the season."
Marco Penge shot a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.
