World Tour Championship: Henrik Stenson, Rafa Cabrera-Bello top

Stenson has never successfully defended a title in his career

Swede Henrik Stenson and Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello share a three-shot lead after three rounds of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

Defending champion Stenson, 38, carded a four-under 68 to be 14 under with one round remaining, while 30-year-old Cabrera-Bello shot a 65.

Stenson was briefly joined at the top of the leaderboard by Rory McIlroy, only for the European Tour Race to Dubai winner to double-bogey 12 and 13.

McIlroy's 70 left him four behind.

The Northern Irishman made light of a two-shot deficit on overnight leader Stenson by knocking in four birdies in his opening 10 holes.

But the world number one shot an ugly six on the par-four 12th and a five at the par-three 13th to tumble down the leaderboard.

"It was annoying to follow a double with another one, but it was nice to get a couple back and keep myself within touching distance," said the 25-year-old.

Looking ahead to Sunday's final round, the four-time major winner added: "I'll try to get off to a fast start. I can't afford to stay patient."

Stenson said it would "mean a lot" to successfully defend the title but acknowledged Cabrera-Bello was "on fire".

He added: "It's been a good year, but when you assess it you always look at the trophies and there hasn't been one yet."