DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The path is clear for Rory McIlroy to clinch the year-long Race to Dubai title and be crowned the European tour’s best player for a sixth time.
He’s well in contention to win the season-ending World Tour Championship, too.
McIlroy hit a fairway wood from 265 yards to 15 feet at No. 18 and two-putted for a closing birdie in his second round on Friday, a 3-under 69 leaving the No. 3-ranked Northern Irishman one stroke off the lead held by France’s Antoine Rozner (65) on 9-under par.
McIlroy was tied with Tyrrell Hatton (69) for second place in the tournament but his lead in the year-long Race to Dubai standings looks impregnable.
Thriston Lawrence is the only player who can stop McIlroy winning that title — and to do that he needs a victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates. That appeared unlikely, with a 71 leaving Lawrence at level par for the week and nine off the lead at the halfway stage.
Adam Cockerill, from Stony Mountain, Man., sits last at 7-over for the tournament after shooting a 2-over 74 on Friday.
Rozner, ranked No. 154, was the surprise leader after making six birdies in an eight-hole span from No. 9.
He is one of the players seeking a high finish to secure one of the 10 PGA Tour cards on offer for next season.
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AP golf:
The Associated Press
