Rory McIlroy Holds Tied Lead As He Closes In On DP World Tour Championship
The Northern Irish golfer secured five birdies during his third round
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer secured three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into the joint lead at the tournament finale and close in on his seventh year-end tour championship title.
The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented the golfer. "Weather conditions proved difficult but happy to shoot my score."
The 36-year-old has a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth consecutive tour championship crown.
Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from claiming the season-long title.
Hatton must win this event while requiring his rival finish worse than the top eight to secure the title.
"My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and perform at the level I can achieve, especially around this layout, I know that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.
