Rory McIlroy recorded five under-par scores in his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Standings
-13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Denmark); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (Eng), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (England), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark)
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 (Eng)
Rory McIlroy made three under-par scores over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead of the DP World Tour Championship and close in on his seventh season-ending tour championship title.
McIlroy carded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round featuring five birdies with one bogey to move to 13-under-par, along with Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) and Hatton (67) are on 12-under-par, along with Spain's Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"All in all, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "The conditions proved difficult yet happy to shoot my score."
McIlroy has a substantial lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight Race to Dubai crown.
Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from claiming the season-long title.
Hatton must win this event while requiring his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to win it.
"I'm in a better position compared to him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf that I know 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."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, yet appears out of contention at four-under-par.
