🔗 Share this article McIlroy Holds Tied Lead While Closes In On DP World Tour Championship Rory McIlroy recorded five birdies during his Saturday performance Season Finale Third-Round Leaderboard -13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den) Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng) The world-class golfer secured three under-par scores in the final five holes to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale and close in on a seventh season-ending 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, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen. English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65). "Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult but pleased to shoot my score." McIlroy holds a 767-point lead at the top of the season-long rankings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship title. Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players who can stop the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship. Hatton needs to win this event and have his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to win it. "I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and perform 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." Marco Penge shot an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, yet appears unlikely to challenge on four under.