Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot While Closes In On Dubai Championship
Rory McIlroy secured five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer secured three under-par scores over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead of the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai title.
The Northern Irishman shot a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13-under-par, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a challenging round," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet pleased to shoot my score."
McIlroy has a substantial lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship title.
Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the season-long title.
The English golfer needs to win the tournament and have his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and perform that I know that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"That would represent an amazing way to end the season."
Penge shot an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.
