Rory McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Closes In On DP World Tour Championship

DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Standings

-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)

Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), 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 birdies in the final five holes to move into the joint lead of the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh season-ending tour championship crown.

The Northern Irishman carded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.

England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).

"Overall, a challenging round," said the golfer. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet pleased to shoot the score that I did."

The 36-year-old has a substantial lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship title.

Hatton and compatriot Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.

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

"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf that I know I can achieve, especially around this layout, I know that I'll succeed.

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

Penge carded a better 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention on four under.