Rory McIlroy Shares Joint Lead As He Nears Dubai Title
The Northern Irish golfer secured five birdies in his third round
Season Finale Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy made three birdies over the closing stretch to move into a share of the lead at the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai title.
The Northern Irishman carded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance including five birdies and a bogey to move to 13-under-par, along with Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet happy with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy has a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai crown.
Tyrrell Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.
The English golfer needs to win this event while requiring his rival finish worse than the top eight to secure the title.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I play and play the golf at the level I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK.
"It would be a fantastic manner to end the season."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
