McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot As He Closes In On Dubai Title
The Northern Irish golfer recorded five under-par scores during his third round
Season Finale Third-Round Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer sank three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into the joint lead at the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.
The Northern Irishman carded a 68 in Dubai, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, together with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," said McIlroy. "The conditions were tricky enough but pleased with shooting my score."
McIlroy has a 767-point lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai title.
Hatton along with compatriot Marco Penge are the only two capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the season-long title.
Hatton needs to win this event while requiring McIlroy to finish outside the top eight to secure the title.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and perform that I know that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"It would be an amazing way to conclude the year."
Penge carded a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
