🔗 Share this article Rory McIlroy Shares Joint Top Spot As He Closes In On DP World Tour Championship The Northern Irish golfer secured five birdies in his Saturday performance Season Finale Saturday Leaderboard -13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -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 (Scotland); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng) The world-class golfer secured three birdies over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale and close in on his seventh year-end Race to Dubai crown. The Northern Irishman shot a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance including five birdies with one bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen. England's Laurie Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and 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 yet pleased with shooting my score." McIlroy holds a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he goes for his fourth consecutive tour championship title. Hatton along with compatriot Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from winning the season-long title. Hatton needs to win the tournament while requiring McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to win it. "My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I play and perform at the level that I'm capable of, especially around this golf course, I'm confident that I'll be OK. "That would represent an amazing way to conclude the year." Marco Penge carded a better 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.