McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot As He Nears DP World Tour Title

Season Finale Third-Round Standings

-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)

Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)

The world-class golfer sank three birdies in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead of the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh year-end tour championship title.

The Northern Irishman carded a 68 in Dubai, during a round featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.

English golfers Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).

"All in all, a challenging round," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions were tricky enough but pleased to shoot the score that I did."

McIlroy has a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship title.

Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the season-long title.

Hatton must win this event and have his rival finish worse than the top eight to secure the title.

"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf that I know that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I'm confident that I'll be OK.

"That would represent a fantastic manner to conclude the year."

Marco Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.