McIlroy Holds Tied Lead While Nears Dubai Championship
Rory McIlroy recorded five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship 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 (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy secured three birdies in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead of the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.
The Northern Irishman carded a 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," said the golfer. "The conditions were tricky enough but pleased with shooting my score."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship title.
Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Penge are the only two who can stop the Northern Irishman from claiming the season-long title.
The English golfer needs to win this event while requiring his rival finish worse than the top eight to secure the title.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf at the level I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I know that I'll be OK.
"That would represent an amazing way to end the season."
Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
