🔗 Share this article McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot While Closes In On Dubai Title The Northern Irish golfer recorded five birdies during his third round Season Finale Third-Round Leaderboard -13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den) Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng) Rory McIlroy sank three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh year-end tour championship title. The Northern Irishman carded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65). "Overall, a bit of a battling day," said the golfer. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet pleased with shooting my score." McIlroy holds a substantial lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship title. Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the only two capable of preventing McIlroy from claiming the season-long title. The English golfer must win this event and have his rival finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title. "I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play 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." Penge shot a better 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.