Rory McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Nears DP World Tour Championship
The Northern Irish golfer recorded five under-par scores in his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy secured three under-par scores in the final five holes to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale and close in on a seventh season-ending tour championship title.
The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to move to 13-under-par, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, along with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus 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 in the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai crown.
Hatton along with compatriot Marco Penge are the only two capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the annual championship.
The English golfer needs to win the tournament and have his rival to finish outside the top eight to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I know that I'll succeed.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to end the season."
Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
