McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Nears Dubai Championship
Rory McIlroy hit five under-par scores during his third round
Season Finale Third-Round Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy secured three under-par scores over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead at the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh season-ending tour championship crown.
The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said the golfer. "Weather conditions proved difficult but happy with shooting the score that I did."
McIlroy has a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth straight tour championship crown.
Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the only two who can stop McIlroy from winning the season-long title.
Hatton must win the tournament while requiring his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I know that I'll be OK.
"It would be an amazing way to end the season."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.
