The Northern Irish golfer secured five birdies in his Saturday performance
DP World Tour Championship Saturday Leaderboard
-13 R McIlroy (Northern Ireland), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (England), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den)
Notable scores: -11 L Aberg (Sweden), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ireland), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng)
The world-class golfer secured three under-par scores in the final five holes to claim a share of the lead at the tournament finale edging closer to a seventh season-ending Race to Dubai title.
The Northern Irishman carded a 68 in the United Arab Emirates, during a round including five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, along with Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
England's Canter (68), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Tyrrell Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spanish player Ayora (67) and Denmark's Hojgaard (65).
"Overall, a bit of a battling day," said McIlroy. "The conditions were tricky enough but happy to shoot my score."
McIlroy holds a substantial lead in the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship title.
Tyrrell Hatton along with fellow Englishman Marco Penge are the sole players capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship.
The English golfer needs to win this event while requiring his rival to finish outside the top eight to secure the title.
"My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," stated McIlroy. "I'm focused on myself. If I play and play the golf at the level I can achieve, particularly on this layout, I'm confident that I'll succeed.
"It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year."
Marco Penge shot an improved 68 on Saturday after scores of 74 and 70, but looks unlikely to challenge at four-under-par.
A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about emerging technologies and their impact on society.