Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Lead As He Nears DP World Tour Title
The Northern Irish golfer hit 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 (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy secured three birdies in the final five holes to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale and close in on a seventh season-ending tour championship crown.
McIlroy carded a 68 in Dubai, in a performance including five birdies with one bogey to move to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," said the golfer. "The conditions proved difficult yet happy with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy has a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight tour championship title.
Tyrrell Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship.
The English golfer needs to win the tournament and have his rival finish worse than the top eight to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf that I know I can achieve, especially around this golf course, I know that I'll be OK.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot a better 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
