McIlroy Holds Joint Lead As He Closes In On Dubai Championship
The Northern Irish golfer hit five under-par scores during his third round
Season Finale Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer 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 year-end Race to Dubai crown.
The Northern Irishman carded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, along with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," said the golfer. "Weather conditions were tricky enough but happy with shooting my score."
The 36-year-old has a 767-point lead in the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight tour championship title.
Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from winning the season-long title.
The English golfer needs to win the tournament while requiring his rival finish worse than the top eight to win it.
"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and perform that I know that I'm capable of, especially around this golf course, 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 after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention on four under.
