McIlroy Shares Tied Top Spot While Closes In On Dubai Championship
Rory McIlroy hit five under-par scores during his third round
DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer made three birdies in the final five holes to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
McIlroy carded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," commented the golfer. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet pleased with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title.
Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship.
Hatton must win this event while requiring McIlroy finish worse than the top eight to secure the title.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"It would be an amazing way to end the season."
Penge carded an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
