🔗 Share this article Rory McIlroy Holds Joint Lead As He Closes In On Dubai Title The Northern Irish golfer hit five birdies during his Saturday performance Season Finale Saturday Leaderboard -13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Den) Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (England) Rory McIlroy secured three under-par scores in the final five holes to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh year-end tour championship crown. The Northern Irishman recorded a four-under-par 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13 under, along with Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen. England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65). "Overall, a challenging round," said McIlroy. "Weather conditions proved difficult but happy to shoot the score that I did." The 36-year-old holds a 767-point lead in the annual standings as he goes for his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title. Tyrrell Hatton along with compatriot Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the season-long title. The English golfer must win the tournament while requiring McIlroy to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title. "I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," stated the tournament leader. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf at the level I can achieve, especially around this layout, I'm confident that I'll be OK. "It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year." Penge carded a better 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.