Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot As He Closes In On Dubai Championship

DP World Tour Championship Saturday Leaderboard

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

Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)

The world-class golfer secured three under-par scores in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.

The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.

English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).

"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult yet happy with shooting the score that I did."

McIlroy holds a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai crown.

Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the sole players who can stop the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship.

The English golfer needs to win the tournament while requiring McIlroy to finish outside the top eight to secure the title.

"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and perform at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I'm confident that I'll be OK.

"That would represent a fantastic manner to conclude the year."

Penge carded an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.