Rory McIlroy is confident he can hold off Tyrrell Hatton to retain his Race to Dubai title, as he enters the final round of the DP World Tour Championship in a share of the lead.

McIlroy posted a four-under 68 on day three at Jumeirah Golf Estates on Saturday, a score that was good enough to take him level with Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen at 13 under.

The Masters champion is now in an excellent position to seal a Dubai double. 

Hatton is the only player who can realistically overtake him to win this year's Race to Dubai crown, requiring a victory on Sunday and for the Northern Irishman to drop out of the top eight. He holds a share of third at 12 under, following a third-round 67.

Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Rasmus Hojgaard, Angel Ayora and Laurie Canter are all level with Hatton, who entered this week's tournament on 2,919.18 points in the Race to Dubai standings, with McIlroy out in front on 4,640.06.

Rory McIlroy heads into the final round tied for the lead with Ramsus Neergaard-Petersen.

If he wins tomorrow, he'll join Sam Torrance and Miguel Ángel Jiménez on 21 DP World Tour wins.#DPWTC | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/2MdK5ypeW9

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McIlroy three-putted the second hole for par, missing from inside three feet, while he also squandered a good birdie chance on the next.

But three birdies in the final five holes boosted the 36-year-old's hopes, and he was proud of the way he responded to adversity. 

"I let that affect me a little bit, especially on the greens for the next few holes. But I stayed really patient and gave myself plenty of opportunities," he told Sky Sports.

"Didn't hole that much, but I knew there were a few chances coming in. It was nice to take advantage of those. 

"So overall, it was a bit of a battling day. The conditions were tricky enough, but happy to shoot the score that I did.

"I'm in a better position than [Hatton]. I'm focused on myself. If I go out and play the golf that I know I'm capable of, especially around this golf course, I know that it will be okay."