McIlroy Holds Tied Lead While Closes In On DP World Tour Title
The Northern Irish golfer hit five under-par scores during his third round
Season Finale Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer secured three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into a share of the lead of the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai title.
McIlroy recorded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," commented the golfer. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet pleased to shoot my score."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the only two who can stop McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.
The English golfer must win this event and have McIlroy finish worse than the top eight to win it.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf that I know that I'm capable of, especially around this golf course, I know that I'll be OK.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
