Rory McIlroy Holds Tied Lead While Closes In On Dubai Championship
Rory McIlroy hit five birdies during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer sank three birdies in the final five holes to move into the joint lead of the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh year-end tour championship crown.
The Northern Irishman recorded a 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet happy with shooting my score."
McIlroy holds a 767-point lead in the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai title.
Tyrrell Hatton and compatriot Penge are the only two who can stop McIlroy from winning the annual championship.
The English golfer needs to win this event and have McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and perform at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll be OK.
"It would be an amazing way to conclude the year."
Penge carded a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.