Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Lead While Nears Dubai Championship
Rory McIlroy recorded five under-par scores in his third round
Season Finale Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy sank three under-par scores in the final five holes to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh year-end tour championship title.
The Northern Irishman recorded a 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," said the golfer. "The conditions proved difficult but happy with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai crown.
Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.
The English golfer needs to win this event and have McIlroy finish worse than the top eight to secure the title.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform that I know I can achieve, especially around this golf course, I know that I'll succeed.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge carded an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
