Rory McIlroy Shares Joint Lead While Nears DP World Tour Championship
The Northern Irish golfer hit five under-par scores in his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer made three birdies over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead of the tournament finale and close in on a seventh season-ending tour championship title.
The Northern Irishman recorded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, along with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet happy to shoot the score that I did."
McIlroy holds a 767-point lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship title.
Hatton along with compatriot Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship.
The English golfer must win the tournament and have McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf that I know I can achieve, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"That would represent a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot a better 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.
