McIlroy Shares Joint Lead While Nears DP World Tour Title
The Northern Irish golfer secured five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy secured three birdies over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.
The Northern Irishman carded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet pleased with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy has a 767-point lead in the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth straight tour championship title.
Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from claiming the season-long title.
Hatton needs to win the tournament while requiring his rival finish worse than the top eight to win it.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I play 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 conclude the year."
Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.
