McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot While Closes In On Dubai Championship

DP World Tour Championship Saturday Leaderboard

-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)

Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)

The world-class golfer made three birdies over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to a seventh season-ending tour championship crown.

McIlroy carded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.

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

"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult yet pleased with shooting my score."

McIlroy has a 767-point lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship title.

Hatton along with fellow Englishman Penge are the only two who can stop the Northern Irishman from winning the season-long title.

Hatton needs to win the tournament while requiring McIlroy finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title.

"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I play and play the golf that I know I can achieve, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.

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

Marco Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.