McIlroy Shares Tied Top Spot While Nears Dubai Title
The Northern Irish golfer hit five under-par scores during his third round
Season Finale Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer sank three birdies over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead of the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
The Northern Irishman carded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12 under, along with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said the golfer. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet happy to shoot the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the only two who can stop the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship.
Hatton must win the tournament and have McIlroy finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and perform at the level I can achieve, particularly on this golf course, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"It would be an amazing way to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot a better 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention at four-under-par.
