Rory McIlroy Holds Tied Lead While Nears DP World Tour Championship
The Northern Irish golfer hit five under-par scores in his Saturday performance
Season Finale Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England)
The world-class golfer sank three under-par scores over the closing stretch to claim a share of the lead of the DP World Tour Championship and close in on a seventh season-ending tour championship title.
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, along with Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12 under, along with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a challenging round," said McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult yet pleased to shoot the score that I did."
The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight Race to Dubai crown.
Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from claiming the annual championship.
Hatton 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 the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf at the level I can achieve, especially around this golf course, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.