🔗 Share this article McIlroy Holds Tied Lead While Closes In On DP World Tour Title The Northern Irish golfer secured five birdies in his Saturday performance Season Finale Third-Round Standings -13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den) Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng) The world-class golfer secured three birdies over the closing stretch to move into the joint lead of the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh year-end tour championship crown. The Northern Irishman carded a 68 in Dubai, in a performance featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen. England's Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12 under, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65). "All in all, a challenging round," commented the golfer. "Weather conditions proved difficult yet pleased with shooting my score." The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship crown. Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the only two who can stop McIlroy from claiming the annual championship. The English golfer needs to win this event while requiring his rival to finish outside the top eight to secure the title. "I'm in a better position than him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf that I know that I'm capable of, especially around this layout, I know that I'll succeed. "It would be a fantastic manner to end the season." Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.