Rory McIlroy powers into share of lead with DP World Tour Championship set for thrilling finish

Join the Miguel Delaney Inside Football Get exclusive insights and behind-the scenes access to the Miguel Delaney: inside newsletter Football NewsletterJoin the Miguel Delaney inside Football newsletterRory McIlroy is the joint leader of the DP World Tour Championship after the third round in Dubai.The Northern Irishman could yet cap a seventh Race to Dubai crown – putting him only one behind Colin Montgomerie – with another title after a strong finish on Saturday.After birdieing the first, McIlroy endured frustration before picking up three shots over the final five holes with birdies on 14, 15 and 18.That moved him to 13 under par, level with Dane Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, who also posted a four-under round, and one shot ahead of a group of six players, including Tyrrell Hatton.McIlroy said on Sky Sports: “I got off to a good start, I hit two great shots into the first, two great shots into the second. I missed a two-and-a-half, three-footer on two, three-putted that, and I feel after that I sort of let that affect me a little bit, especially on the greens, for the next few holes.“But I stayed really patient, gave myself plenty of opportunities, didn’t hole that much but I knew there was a few chances coming in and it was nice to take advantage of those. Overall, a bit of battling day, the conditions were tricky enough, but happy to shoot the score that I did.”Hatton shot his second consecutive 67 and is almost in contention for Race to Dubai. He would have to win on Sunday, hoping McIlroy falls out of top eight. “I’m in a better position than him. I’m focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf that I know I’m capable of, especially around this golf course, I know that I’ll be OK.“It would be an amazing way to end the season. I’ve put myself in position to try to get another win here. I certainly could have coasted into these couple of weeks and enjoyed myself but the Race to Dubai is important to me and it’s important to me to try to get a little bit closer to Monty.”Hatton and his fellow Englishmen, Tommy Fleetwood (third), Matt Fitzpatrick (fourth) and Laurie Canter (third) are tied for third. Rasmus Hjgaard joined them after a round of seven-under par, a 65, and overtook his brother Nicolai who had led overnight but was now two shots behind following a disappointing 73.
2025-11-15 14:02:27