Rory McIlroy has put himself in a position to secure a potential season-ending title after sharing the third-round lead with Rasmus Højgaard and Antoine Rozner at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
The world No.3 has been confirmed to win tomorrow's sixth Race to Dubai in his career and is chasing a third Earth title.
The Northern Irishman started the first day a shot behind overnight leader Rozner, but it was Højgaard who came out on top after four straight birdies from the second.
The Dane moved to 12 under to clear three at the eighth, however, McIlroy carded four birdies in six holes from the seventh to stay close to Højgaard in the conference.
Both players missed opportunities to move forward and were unable to break away as they headed home, with Rozner eagleing the final round to tie for the top spot ahead of the final round of the 2024 DP World Tour. campaign.
Rozner's victory also saw the Frenchman climb to second place in the Race to Dubai and secure dual membership on the PGA TOUR for 2025.
Joaquin Niemann combined for five birdies and two bogeys and Swede Jesper Svensson was flawless in his 68 to stay fourth at 10 under, while Tyrrell Hatton is back in sixth.
A disappointing ending
McIlroy said: “After a birdie on 12, I had a great opportunity to move on. I hit a great shot on 13 and I just hit the ledge. And then 14 and 15 are birdie holes, and I can't birdie any of those, and I only have a six iron in my hand going into the last green and not making a birdie was not what I expected.
“I'm disappointed with the way I played those last five holes, but obviously I'm in really good shape as I look ahead to tomorrow.
“It's a great opportunity to end the year on a really high note. I'm going to go out there tomorrow and give it my all and hopefully things go well for me and I can stand on that 18th green with both lips.
“I've been able to do it twice before. So doing it again would be good.”
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