McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot While Closes In On Dubai Title
The Northern Irish golfer hit five birdies during his third round
DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer secured three birdies in the final five holes to move into a share of the lead at the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh year-end tour championship crown.
The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," commented the golfer. "Weather conditions proved difficult but happy to shoot my score."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Tyrrell Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from winning the annual championship.
The English golfer needs to win the tournament and have McIlroy to finish outside the top eight to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I play and play the golf that I know that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll be OK.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge carded a better 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
