The Northern Irish golfer hit five under-par scores during his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England)
Rory McIlroy made three birdies over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh season-ending tour championship crown.
The Northern Irishman carded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult but happy to shoot my score."
The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship title.
Tyrrell Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the only two capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the season-long title.
Hatton must win this event while requiring McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and play the golf that I know that I'm capable of, especially around this golf course, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be an amazing way to conclude the year."
Penge carded a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.
Cybersecurity analyst with a passion for ethical hacking and educating others on digital safety.
