McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot While Nears Dubai Championship
Rory McIlroy recorded five under-par scores in his third round
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy made three birdies over the closing stretch to move into the joint lead of the tournament finale and close in on his seventh season-ending tour championship crown.
McIlroy shot a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, during a round featuring five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, joining Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," commented the golfer. "The conditions proved difficult but pleased with shooting my score."
The 36-year-old has a 767-point lead in the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship title.
Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Penge are the only two capable of preventing McIlroy from claiming the season-long title.
The English golfer needs to win the tournament and have his rival finish worse than the top eight to win it.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf that I know I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be an amazing way to end the season."
Marco Penge carded an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
