McIlroy Shares Joint Top Spot As He Nears DP World Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy hit five under-par scores in his third round
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer sank three under-par scores in the final five holes to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh year-end Race to Dubai crown.
The Northern Irishman carded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to move to 13-under-par, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented the golfer. "Weather conditions proved difficult but happy to shoot the score that I did."
The 36-year-old has a 767-point lead in the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship title.
Hatton along with compatriot Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship.
The English golfer must win this event and have his rival to finish outside the top eight to win it.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and perform at the level that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK.
"It would be an amazing way to conclude the year."
Penge carded an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
