McIlroy Holds Joint Lead While Nears DP World Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy hit five birdies during his third round
Season Finale Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy made three birdies in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy shot a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance including five birdies with one bogey to move to 13-under-par, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "The conditions were tricky enough yet happy with shooting the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight Race to Dubai crown.
Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the only two who can stop the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship.
Hatton must win this event while requiring his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf that I know that I'm capable of, especially around this golf course, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be an amazing way to end the season."
Marco Penge shot a better 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.
