The Holywood star hasn't been at his best at Jumeirah Golf Estates this week, but birdies at the 14th, 15th and 18th helped him chisel out a four under 68 and share the lead with up-and-coming Dane Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen on 13-under-par.

It promises to be a stampede for the line on Sunday with six players — Rasmus Hojgaard (65), Matt Fitzpatrick (66), Angel Ayora (67), Tyrrell Hatton (67), Tommy Fleetwood (68) and Laurie Canter (68)— lurking just a shot off the pace and Ludvig Aberg (67), Justin Rose (70) and halfway leader Nicolai Hojgaard (73) only two behind.

The top 16 are covered by just three strokes and while Hatton is the biggest threat to McIlroy in the battle for the Harry Vardon Trophy, he must win and hope the Holywood star finishes worse than joint eighth with one other t

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