McIlroy Shares Joint Top Spot As He Nears DP World Tour Title
Rory McIlroy recorded five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer secured three birdies in the final five holes to move into a share of the lead at the tournament finale and close in on his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
The Northern Irishman shot a 68 in Dubai, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, along with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "The conditions were tricky enough yet happy with shooting my score."
McIlroy has a 767-point lead in the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title.
Hatton and compatriot Penge are the only two who can stop the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship.
The English golfer needs to win this event while requiring McIlroy finish worse than the top eight to win it.
"My position is stronger 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 golf course, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"That would represent an amazing way to end the season."
Marco Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.
