McIlroy Shares Joint Top Spot As He Closes In On DP World Tour Title
The Northern Irish golfer recorded five under-par scores in his third round
DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer secured three birdies in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead of the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy recorded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to move to 13-under-par, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet pleased with shooting the score that I did."
The 36-year-old has a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth straight tour championship crown.
Hatton and compatriot Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from winning the season-long title.
Hatton needs to win the tournament and have his rival finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform that I know I can achieve, especially around this golf course, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be an amazing way to conclude the year."
Penge shot a better 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.