McIlroy Holds Joint Lead As He Nears Dubai Championship
The Northern Irish golfer secured five under-par scores in his third round
DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer sank three birdies over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale and close in on a seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," said the golfer. "The conditions were tricky enough yet happy to shoot the score that I did."
The 36-year-old has a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship.
The English golfer must win the tournament and have his rival finish worse than tied for eighth to win it.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf that I know that I'm capable of, especially around this golf course, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"That would represent an amazing way to conclude the year."
Penge shot an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention on four under.
