🔗 Share this article Rory McIlroy Shares Tied Lead As He Closes In On Dubai Championship Rory McIlroy hit five birdies during his third round DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Standings -13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark) Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England) Rory McIlroy secured three under-par scores in the final five holes to move into a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to his seventh season-ending Race to Dubai crown. The Northern Irishman shot a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, along with Spanish player Angel Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Hojgaard (65). "All in all, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult but pleased with shooting the score that I did." McIlroy holds a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight tour championship crown. Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the only two who can stop the Northern Irishman from winning the annual championship. Hatton needs to 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]," stated McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf that I know I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed. "It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year." Marco Penge shot a better 68 in round three following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention on four under.