ð Share this article Rory McIlroy Holds Tied Lead While Nears Dubai Title Rory McIlroy secured five birdies 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 (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark) Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (Eng); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Scotland); -8 J Parry (Eng); -4 M Penge (Eng) The world-class golfer made three birdies over the closing stretch to move into the joint lead at the DP World Tour Championship edging closer to his seventh year-end Race to Dubai crown. McIlroy recorded a 68 in Dubai, during a round including five birdies and a bogey to climb to 13-under-par, joining Denmark's Neergaard-Petersen. England's Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard (65). "Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "The conditions were tricky enough but pleased with shooting the score that I did." McIlroy has a substantial lead in the annual standings as he goes for his fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title. Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the sole players capable of preventing McIlroy from winning the annual championship. The English golfer needs to win this event while requiring his rival to finish outside tied for eighth to secure the title. "My position is stronger compared to him [Hatton]," added McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and perform that I know I can achieve, particularly on this golf course, I know that I'll succeed. "That would represent an amazing way to conclude the year." Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday following rounds of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge on four under.