McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot While Nears DP World Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy hit five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer secured three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into a share of the lead of the tournament finale and close in on a seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.
The Northern Irishman shot a 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12 under, along with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," said McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult but happy with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy has a 767-point lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Tyrrell Hatton and compatriot Penge are the sole players who can stop the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship.
The English golfer must win the tournament while requiring McIlroy finish worse than tied for eighth to win it.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll be OK.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge shot an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
