McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot While Nears DP World Tour Championship

Season Finale Third-Round Standings

-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)

Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)

The world-class golfer sank three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into the joint lead of the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to his seventh year-end tour championship crown.

McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.

England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).

"Overall, a challenging round," commented the golfer. "The conditions proved difficult but pleased with shooting my score."

McIlroy holds a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title.

Hatton along with fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.

The English golfer needs to win the tournament while requiring his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.

"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf at the level I can achieve, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK.

"It would be a fantastic manner to end the season."

Penge shot an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.