McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Nears Dubai Championship
The Northern Irish golfer secured five birdies during his third round
DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy made three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into a share of the lead of the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
McIlroy shot a 68 in Dubai, during a round featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions were tricky enough but pleased to shoot my score."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth straight Race to Dubai crown.
Tyrrell Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the season-long title.
The English golfer must win the tournament and have McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and play the golf that I know I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I know that I'll be OK.
"It would be an amazing way to end the season."
Penge shot a better 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
