🔗 Share this article Rory McIlroy Shares Tied Lead While Nears DP World Tour Title The Northern Irish golfer hit five under-par scores during his third round DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Standings -13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spain), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den) Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Denmark), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (England) The world-class golfer sank three under-par scores over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead of the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to his seventh year-end Race to Dubai title. The Northern Irishman carded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13-under-par, joining Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen. English golfers Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12-under-par, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65). "All in all, a challenging round," said the golfer. "Weather conditions were tricky enough but happy to shoot my score." The 36-year-old has a 767-point lead in the annual standings as he goes for his fourth straight tour championship crown. Tyrrell Hatton along with compatriot Marco Penge are the sole players who can stop McIlroy from claiming the season-long title. Hatton needs to win the tournament and have McIlroy to finish outside the top eight to secure the title. "My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and perform at the level I can achieve, especially around this layout, I know that I'll succeed. "That would represent a fantastic manner to end the season." Penge carded an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.