McIlroy Shares Joint Lead While Nears Dubai Title
The Northern Irish golfer hit five under-par scores in his third round
Season Finale Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer secured three birdies in the final five holes to move into the joint lead at the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh year-end tour championship title.
The Northern Irishman carded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," said McIlroy. "The conditions were tricky enough yet pleased with shooting my score."
The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai crown.
Tyrrell Hatton along with compatriot Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the season-long title.
Hatton needs to win this event while requiring his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and perform at the level I can achieve, especially around this layout, I know that I'll be OK.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to end the season."
Marco Penge carded an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention on four under.
