McIlroy Shares Joint Lead As He Closes In On Dubai Title
The Northern Irish golfer hit five birdies in his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng)
Rory McIlroy sank three birdies in the final five holes to move into the joint lead of the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh year-end Race to Dubai crown.
The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13-under-par, 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 Spain's Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," commented the golfer. "Weather conditions were tricky enough but pleased with shooting the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship title.
Tyrrell Hatton and compatriot Penge are the only two who can stop McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.
Hatton must win this event and have McIlroy to finish outside the top eight to secure the title.
"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf that I know I can achieve, especially around this layout, I know that I'll be OK.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.
