McIlroy Shares Joint Top Spot While Nears Dubai Championship

Season Finale Third-Round Leaderboard

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

Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)

The world-class golfer secured three birdies over the closing stretch to move into the joint lead of the tournament finale and close in on his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown.

The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.

England's Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65).

"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said the golfer. "Weather conditions proved difficult but happy to shoot the score that I did."

The 36-year-old has a substantial lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai crown.

Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the season-long title.

Hatton needs to win the tournament while requiring McIlroy finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title.

"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and perform at the level I can achieve, especially around this layout, I know that I'll be OK.

"That would represent a fantastic manner to conclude the year."

Penge shot a better 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.