Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot While Nears DP World Tour Title
The Northern Irish golfer secured five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy made three birdies over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale and close in on a seventh season-ending tour championship title.
McIlroy shot a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions were tricky enough but pleased to shoot my score."
McIlroy has a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight tour championship title.
Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from claiming the season-long title.
The English golfer must win the tournament and have his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title.
"My position is stronger 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 that I'm capable of, especially around this golf course, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge shot a better 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.