Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot While Closes In On DP World Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy recorded five birdies in his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer secured three birdies over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh year-end tour championship crown.
McIlroy shot a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "The conditions were tricky enough yet pleased with shooting my score."
McIlroy has a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai title.
Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the annual championship.
Hatton needs to win this event while requiring McIlroy finish worse than tied for eighth to win it.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and perform at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.
