Rory McIlroy Holds Tied Top Spot While Closes In On DP World Tour Championship

Season Finale Saturday Leaderboard

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

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

Rory McIlroy sank three under-par scores over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh year-end Race to Dubai crown.

The Northern Irishman recorded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.

English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).

"Overall, a bit of a battling day," said the golfer. "The conditions proved difficult yet pleased with shooting the score that I did."

The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship crown.

Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the sole players who can stop the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship.

The English golfer must win this event and have McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title.

"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this layout, I know that I'll succeed.

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

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