🔗 Share this article McIlroy Holds Tied Lead As He Closes In On DP World Tour Title The Northern Irish golfer hit five under-par scores during his Saturday performance Season Finale Saturday Standings -13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark) Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -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 claim a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh year-end tour championship crown. McIlroy recorded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65). "All in all, a bit of a battling day," commented the golfer. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet pleased to shoot my score." The 36-year-old has a substantial lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth consecutive tour championship crown. Tyrrell Hatton and compatriot Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the annual championship. Hatton needs to win the tournament while requiring his rival finish worse than the top eight to secure the title. "My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK. "That would represent an amazing way to end the season." Penge shot a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.