Rory McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Nears Dubai Championship
Rory McIlroy recorded five under-par scores during his third round
Season Finale Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer made three birdies in the final five holes to move into a share of the lead at the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh season-ending tour championship crown.
McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet happy with shooting my score."
The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship crown.
Hatton along with compatriot Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the season-long title.
The English golfer must win the tournament and have McIlroy finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and perform at the level that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I know that I'll be OK.
"That would represent an amazing way to end the season."
Penge carded a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
