DP World Tour Championship R3 Leaderboard: Rory McIlroy hits the front

Rory McIlroy moved into a tie for the 54-hole lead with Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

McIlroy and Neergaard-Petersen both carded steady rounds of 68 to move to 13-under par for three rounds at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

McIlroy missed a tiddler for birdie on the 2nd, but he recovered with four birdies thereafter including three on the last five holes.

McIlroy is seeking the 21st DP World Tour title of his career and an outright record fourth DP World Tour Championship. 

Neergaard-Petersen, a three-time winner on the Challenge Tour, is going in search of a first title on the DP World Tour. 

McIlroy is looking to win for the third time on the DP World Tour this season. 

The World No.2 memorably completed the career grand slam at The Masters in April.

He then added second Irish Open at The K Club before helping Europe win the Ryder Cup in September. 

Tommy Fleetwood also carded a 68 to move to within a shot of the leaders.

Laurie Canter, Tyrrell Hatton, Angel Ayora, Matt Fitzpatrick and Rasmus Hojgaard are also in a share of third place on 12-under par. 

Overnight leader Nicolai Hojgaard fell back into the chasing pack on 11-under par with a 73. 

Justin Rose and Ludvig Aberg are also on that score. 

• DP World Tour Championship Final Round Tee Times

Rory McIlroy closing in on seventh Race to Dubai

Mcllroy is going in search of a fourth straight Race to Dubai and the seventh of his career. 

Should he go on to win as expected then he will move on away from all-time record holder Colin Montgomerie. 

His nearest pursuer starting the week was Marco Penge, but the Englishman is out of contention on 4-under par. 

The only player standing in McIlroy's way now is Hatton.

If McIlroy finishes second alone then he guarantees himself the Race to Dubai. 

Should Hatton win the tournament, then he will need to hope McIlroy slides down the board.