Rory McIlroy signed for a 4-under 68 to move into a share of the lead at 12-under at the DP World Tour Championship.
A two-time winner of the DP World Tour Championship, McIlroy only needs a top-11 finish to win his sixth Race to Dubai Rankings crown.
“A little bittersweet. After the birdie on 12th, I had a good chance, but my putt on the 13th just caught the edge. And then 14 and 15 are birdie holes, and not being able to birdie either of those, and to make a par with only with a six-iron [for his second shot] in my hand going into the last as well,” said the Northern Irishman.
“A little disappointed how I played those last five holes, but still in a really good position heading into tomorrow. Tied for the lead. Going out on a course that I really like and had success on before.
“It’s a great opportunity to end the year on a high note. Going to go out there tomorrow and give it my everything, and hopefully, things fall my way and I can stand on that 18th green with both trophies.”
Overnight leader Antoine Rozner of France made an eagle at the par-5 18th as well as three birdies and two bogeys for a 69 to retain a share of the lead.
“I think the eagle on the last helped me big time and made me happy with my day overall. I didn’t produce my best golf of the week so far but I was always hanging in there. I managed to hole a couple of putts on the back nine that were big for me,” said Rozner.
Dane Rasmus Højgaard, whose brother Nicolai won the event last year, signed for a bogey-free 66 with all six of his birdies made on the front nine.
“The first nine holes, I thought it was one of the best stretches of golf I played this year. I then had to hang in there on the back nine,” said Hojgaard.
“The par save on the 18th was huge. It was looking more like an eight at one point. It wasn’t an easy pitch shot from where I got the drop. I had already written down a six on my scorecard mentally, but the putt dropped.”
“It would be great if a different Højgaard can defend the trophy and I can get my name next to Nicolai.”
Sweden’s Jesper Svensson carded a bogey-free 68 for a share of fourth place at 10-under alongside Chile’s Joaquin Niemann who closed with a 69.
England’s Tyrrell Hatton made just two birdies and one bogey for a 71 and solo sixth place at 9-under.
