Rory McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot While Nears Dubai Title
Rory McIlroy recorded five birdies during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer sank three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into the joint lead at the tournament finale and close in on a seventh year-end Race to Dubai crown.
The Northern Irishman shot a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with 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 but happy with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth consecutive tour championship title.
Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from claiming the season-long title.
The English golfer needs to win this event and have his rival to finish outside the top eight to win it.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge shot an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
