McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot As He Closes In On DP World Tour Title
Rory McIlroy secured five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
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 (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer secured three under-par scores over the closing stretch to move into the joint lead of the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh season-ending tour championship title.
The Northern Irishman recorded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance featuring five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet happy to shoot my score."
The 36-year-old has a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship crown.
Hatton along with fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.
The English golfer must win this event and have his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and perform at the level I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge carded an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.
