Rory McIlroy Shares Tied Top Spot As He Closes In On DP World Tour Championship

DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Standings

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

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

The world-class golfer sank three birdies over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead of the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.

The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to move to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen.

English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, along with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).

"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "The conditions were tricky enough yet pleased to shoot my score."

McIlroy holds a 767-point lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai crown.

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

Hatton needs to win this event and have McIlroy finish worse than the top eight to secure the title.

"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and perform at the level I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK.

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

Penge carded an improved 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention on four under.