McIlroy’s third round of 65 at the DP World Tour Championship put him back ahead of his rival in the rankings.
The 25-year-old turned a one-shot lead into a five-shot edge as she chased down the two-million-dollar (£1.6million) prize.
Rory McIlroy gave the Yorkshireman something to think about with a late blitz.
The 25-year-old finished seven-under 65 in her bid to win the two-million-dollar (£1.6million) prize.
Fitzpatrick is now projected to finish top of the DP World Tour rankings for the first time.
Changes were made to the OWGR this year.
The world number one recently called for a compromise to be reached between rival factions.
The Ryder Cup star beat New Zealand’s Ryan Fox by a shot at the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
The former world number one, who is currently ranked 565th, carded seven birdies and trails leader Ryan Fox.
The Englishman won the Nedbank Golf Challenge the last time it was played, back in 2019.
