Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot As He Nears DP World Tour Title

DP World Tour Championship Saturday Standings

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

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

Rory McIlroy sank three birdies over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead at the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to his seventh year-end Race to Dubai title.

The Northern Irishman recorded a 68 in Dubai, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.

England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).

"Overall, a challenging round," commented the golfer. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet pleased with shooting my score."

McIlroy has a 767-point lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth straight tour championship title.

Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the only two who can stop McIlroy from claiming the season-long title.

The English golfer 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. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and perform that I know that I'm capable of, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK.

"It would be an amazing way to conclude the year."

Marco Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.