🔗 Share this article Rory McIlroy Holds Tied Lead While Nears Dubai Title The Northern Irish golfer recorded five birdies during his Saturday performance DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Standings -13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den) Selected others: -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 in the final five holes to move into a share of the lead of the tournament finale and close in on his seventh season-ending tour championship crown. The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to move to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen. England's Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65). "All in all, a challenging round," said the golfer. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet pleased to shoot my score." The 36-year-old has a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight Race to Dubai title. Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players who can stop the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship. The English golfer needs to win the tournament while requiring his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title. "I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform that I know that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK. "It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year." Marco Penge carded a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention at four-under-par.