🔗 Share this article Rory McIlroy Shares Joint Top Spot While Nears Dubai Championship Rory McIlroy recorded five birdies in his third round Season Finale Third-Round Standings -13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark) Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England) Rory McIlroy made three birdies in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to a seventh year-end Race to Dubai crown. The Northern Irishman carded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, joining Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, together with Spain's Angel Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65). "Overall, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet happy with shooting the score that I did." The 36-year-old has a substantial lead in the season-long rankings as he goes for his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai crown. Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the only two who can stop McIlroy from winning the season-long title. Hatton needs to win this event while requiring his rival finish worse than tied for eighth to win it. "My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "My focus is on my game. If I go out and perform that I know that I'm capable of, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed. "That would represent an amazing way to conclude the year." Marco Penge carded an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.