Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot While Closes In On Dubai Title
Rory McIlroy secured five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
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 (England)
The world-class golfer made three birdies over the closing stretch to move into the joint lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh season-ending tour championship title.
McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult but pleased with shooting my score."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship title.
Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from winning the season-long title.
Hatton must win this event while requiring McIlroy finish worse than tied for eighth to win it.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I play and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK.
"It would be an amazing way to conclude the year."
Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.
