Rory McIlroy Holds Tied Lead As He Nears Dubai Title
Rory McIlroy hit five birdies during his third round
Season Finale Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy secured three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into a share of the lead of the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh year-end tour championship title.
McIlroy carded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," commented the golfer. "Weather conditions proved difficult but pleased to shoot my score."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title.
Hatton and compatriot Marco Penge are the only two who can stop McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.
Hatton must win this event while requiring McIlroy to finish outside the top eight to secure the title.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be an amazing way to end the season."
Penge shot a better 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.
