Rory McIlroy Shares Tied Lead While 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 (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy made three under-par scores over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead at the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy carded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, along with Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet pleased with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship crown.
Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the annual championship.
Hatton needs to win this event while requiring McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and perform that I know that I'm capable of, particularly on this layout, I know that I'll be OK.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to end the season."
Marco Penge shot a better 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.
