McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Nears DP World Tour Title

Season Finale Saturday Standings

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

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

Rory McIlroy secured three birdies in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead of the tournament finale and close in on his seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.

McIlroy recorded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance including five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.

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

"Overall, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult yet pleased to shoot the score that I did."

McIlroy has a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title.

Hatton and compatriot Penge are the only two who can stop the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship.

Hatton must win the tournament and have his rival finish worse than tied for eighth to win it.

"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and perform at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll succeed.

"It would be an amazing way to end the season."

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