🔗 Share this article McIlroy Holds Joint Top Spot While Closes In On DP World Tour Championship The Northern Irish golfer recorded five birdies in his third round Season Finale Saturday Standings -13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Denmark) Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -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 year-end Race to Dubai title. The Northern Irishman shot a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13-under-par, joining Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. English golfers Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spain's Angel 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 but happy to shoot my score." The 36-year-old holds a substantial lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship crown. Hatton and compatriot Penge are the only two capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the season-long title. The English golfer must win this event while requiring his rival finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title. "I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll be OK. "It would be a fantastic manner to end the season." Penge carded a better 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.