Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Lead As He Closes In On Dubai Championship

DP World Tour Championship Saturday Standings

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

Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)

The world-class golfer secured three under-par scores in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead at the tournament finale and close in on a seventh season-ending tour championship title.

The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance including five birdies and a bogey to move to 13 under, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.

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

"All in all, a challenging round," said the golfer. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet happy to shoot the score that I did."

The 36-year-old has a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight Race to Dubai crown.

Hatton and fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the only two capable of preventing McIlroy from claiming the season-long title.

The English golfer needs to win this event and have McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.

"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I play and play the golf that I know that I'm capable of, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK.

"That would represent an amazing way to end the season."

Marco Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.