DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Rory McIlroy got here off a tough afternoon on the DP World Tour Championship on Saturday, making three birdies in his remaining 5 holes to shoot a 4-under 68, share the lead with Denmark’s Rasmus Nirgaard-Petersen and transfer nearer to successful the Race to Dubai for the fourth time in a row.
The ultimate hour at Jumeirah Golf Estates noticed eight gamers vying for the lead at one level. Nikolai Hujgaard began the third spherical within the lead, together with his twin brother Rasmus additionally changing into one of many leaders by the afternoon.
On the finish of the third spherical, McIlroy and Neilgaard Peterson (68) had been at 13-under 203, one stroke forward of Tyrrell Hatton and 5 different gamers.
Hatton is the one participant with a mathematical probability of catching McIlroy within the race to Dubai, however that might require the Masters champion to fall on the Earth Course, the place McIlroy is the defending champion and holds three titles.
“It might be a good way to finish the season,” McIlroy mentioned. McIlroy is seeking to consolidate his place on the high after coming off a tie for third in Abu Dhabi final week. “I performed effectively final week after I wanted to, particularly on the weekend. It put me ready to get one other win right here. So I am actually comfortable.”
Marco Penge (GBR), who completed second within the race to Dubai, opened with a 74 however had little motion after that. He shot a 68 on Saturday and continues to be solely 9 behind. Hatton was the subsequent challenger and separated himself from the chasing pack with 67 factors.
Hatton must win to power McIlroy to complete exterior the highest eight, however with so many gamers on the high, it is not unreasonable for that to occur.
“Right this moment’s spherical gave me an opportunity,” Hatton mentioned.
A lot is at stake for Neergaard-Petersen as effectively. After a bogey at the beginning, he posted a 68 to maintain a clear card and earn a spot within the remaining group for the season finale, taking part in alongside McIlroy for the primary time. A robust efficiency could possibly be sufficient for the Dane to earn one of many high 10 spots for tour gamers to earn a 2026 PGA Tour card.
“We had a giant purpose this 12 months to see if we may win right here, and if we may do it tomorrow and recover from the road, that might be unimaginable,” he mentioned.
The group with a one-stroke distinction consists of Rasmus Huygaard (65), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68), Rory Canter (68), and Angel Ayola (Spain), who hit a remaining bogey of 67.
Nikolaj Hejgaard fell again to 73, tied with Justin Rose (70) and Ludwig Oberg (67), simply two photographs behind.
McIlroy will probably be closing in on Colin Montgomerie’s document and can goal to win his seventh title as Europe’s primary because the European Tour season approaches its remaining phases. It is already been a banner 12 months for McIlroy, who accomplished a profession Grand Slam at Augusta Nationwide, gained The Gamers Championship and Pebble Seaside, gained the Irish Open and led Europe to victory within the Ryder Cup.
“Actually, I may have spent the previous few weeks coasting and having fun with myself,” McIlroy mentioned. “However the Race to Dubai is vital to me and making an attempt to get as near Monty as doable is vital to me. Like I mentioned, I’ve put myself in a fantastic place to attain it tomorrow.”
