🔗 Share this article McIlroy Shares Tied Top Spot As He Nears DP World Tour Championship The Northern Irish golfer hit five birdies during his Saturday performance Season Finale Third-Round Standings -13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark) Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng) Rory McIlroy sank three birdies over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead at the tournament finale and close in on his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai title. McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen. English golfers Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) are on 12 under, along 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 but happy with shooting the score that I did." McIlroy has a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth straight Race to Dubai title. Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from claiming the season-long title. Hatton must win the tournament while requiring his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to win it. "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 that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK. "It would be an amazing way to end the season." Marco Penge carded a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention at four-under-par.