McIlroy Shares Joint Lead As He Closes In On Dubai Championship
Rory McIlroy recorded five birdies in his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer secured three birdies over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead at the tournament finale and close in on his seventh season-ending tour championship title.
The Northern Irishman shot a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult but pleased to shoot my score."
The 36-year-old has a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight Race to Dubai title.
Hatton along with compatriot Marco Penge are the only two who can stop the Northern Irishman from claiming the season-long title.
The English golfer needs to win the tournament while requiring his rival finish worse than the top eight to secure the title.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll be OK.
"That would represent an amazing way to conclude the year."
Marco Penge carded a better 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
